Friday — May 21, 2004

Tea Party and Tutus

The Art of Dance spring recital is Sunday

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

The Art of Dance Foundation’s annual spring recital gets a twist this year as a tea party is being held in conjunction with it, at nextStage Theatre in Ketchum, Sunday, May 23, at 4 p.m. The Art of Dance also welcomes 45 dancers from the Ballet Idaho Ensemble and Ballet Idaho Academy in Boise.

A group of young dancers rehearse in costume for their upcoming recital. courtesy photo

The Art of Dance, which is located in Ketchum, has 18 students ranging from 3 to 12 in age. As the kids grow older so will the company grow with it, Director of Marketing Nicole Perkins said.

The recital includes the Movement, Music and Magic group, who’ll demonstrate an "Earth, Air, Fire and Water" interpretive dance under the direction of Britta vonTagen.

The Ensemble, under the direction of Jeff and Cathy Giese, will dance their own pieces as well as with two of the Foundation’s Ballet IV students, Amy Tamayo and Ariel Rawlings with a young Ballet Idaho Academy dancer, in a Pas de Trois.

Ballet I, II and III are dancing under the direction of Dina Madsen, who also teaches at Ballet Idaho. Interspersed in these dances are A. A. Milne’s "Winnie-the-Pooh" poems read by adults.

"We have picked what corresponds to the poem," Madsen said. "It’s classical music written to go with those poems."

Tea, beverages and sandwiches are being served buffet style, and during intermission, pastries will be served. A table can be reserved for $200 or individual seats at tables for $25. General admission is $15 or $10 for children under 14. Children under 5 are free. Tickets are available at Chapter One in Ketchum and at the door. Reservations can be made by calling 726-8122.

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