Special Open House Weekend Events to Run June 12-14 at California DanceArts Studio in La Canada
La Canada, CA: California DanceArts (http://www.caldancearts.com) kicks off summer with an Open House and a series of free events for the community throughout the weekend of June 12-14. Students from the dance school will present several demonstration presentations showing what they have learned in their dance classes. The demonstrations will feature young dancers of all ages with a variety of dance styles.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for young dancers to perform and for the parents to see how much fun the students have,” says Alex Peterson of La Canada, whose 8 yr old son, Harry and daughter Ellie, age 10, will be performing in the presentation. “The presentation makes all us adults want to get out and start dancing too, but we just aren’t as good as the kids!” Young Harry Peterson enjoys showing off his tap dancing while his sister Ellie will be presenting several ballet dances. Separate demonstration performances will be held on June 12 at 6:30pm and June 13 at 11am and 1pm.
On Saturday, June 13 starting at 6:30pm, California Contemporary Youth Ballet, the school’s affiliate non-profit company for young pre-professional dancers, will present a free concert. Jacob Bonham of La Canada age 13, will be among the young dancers performing a segment from August Bournonville’s ballet titled, “Napoli”.
Artistic Director, Erin Holt explains, “Napoli is Bournonville’s happiest masterpiece. Persuaded by his friend Hans Christian Andersen to travel to Italy, Bournonville was inspired by his stay in Naples to create this romantic ballet”.
Jacob Bonham who recently just finished an acting role in “Cheaper by the Dozen” with the Stepping Stone Players, is excited about his new role in the ballet, “The dance is fast and fun, I have to keep the beat with my tambourine while my feet are moving and I get to dance with a partner”.
“Jacob has been training at the school for five years and is a natural dancer and actor. He is one of the few boys in our youth company, making his roles very important”, says Erin Holt.
Following the presentation of “Napoli”, the company will turn down the lights to show a DVD premier of their popular original ballet, The Snow Queen, which was seen live at Glendale Community College last December. “We have a big screening of the DVD of the ballet every year. The entire cast enjoys seeing themselves on video and it’s a great opportunity for anyone who didn’t get a chance to see the ballet in December.” Ms. Holt explains.
The open house will continue with public registration for the school’s fall season and classes open to new public the entire week of June 15-June 20. The school is also offering a free introductory two hour Dancers Delight Workshop on Friday, June 19 at 4:30 where children, age seven and up (appropriate for beginner and Intermediate dancers), will get a sample of many dance styles and a taste of the school’s summer offerings.
Seating is limited for all events and space in classes and workshops is limited. It is recommended to RSVP by calling 818-790-7924.
