Artistry in Motion's showcase April 10-11 in Des Plaines

Posted April 07, 2015 11:00 pm

Submitted by Des Plaines Park District

Meghan Hanrahan and Jordin Suwalski soar through the air during "Dollhouse," a whimsical and creative dance choreographed by Jamie Salas. Courtesy of DRC Photos

Artistry in Motion, the in-house dance company of the Des Plaines Park District, will present "Artistry is in The Air," the company's annual Spring Showcase, on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, at the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St.

The program features new choreography by Nicole Argudo, Richard Ashworth, Allie Buchweitz, Cecilia Ferguson-Bell, Sarah Ford, Sarah Glover, Corey Lozier, Jamie Salas, Laura Witter and Mary Williams; along with student choreographers Bridget Donovan, Meghan Hanrahan Ella Kurutz, Jenna Temple, Sammy Kedziora and Tess Wastyn.

The showcase includes performances by dancers who won awards during the 2015 competition season at DanceAmerica, Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, JUMP, VIP, World Cass Talent Experience and Dance Idol.

Thirty dances will be performed at each of the three shows, making each program an eclectic mix of jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, modern, contemporary, and hip hop. Highlights of the shows are Meghan Hanrahan, Natalie Sanchez, and Jessie Starzynski performing "In This Shirt," a contemporary dance choreographed by Jamie Salas, and companies Senior A and Senior B performing "We Found Love," a lyrical piece choreographed by Mary Williams. Both numbers earned numerous recognitions during the competition season and are an audience delight.

The closing dance, "Counting Stars," is a jazz piece choreographed by Jamie Salas for Senior A, Senior B and Junior A companies.

"Counting Stars is a fun, feel good number that encompasses unity and collaboration as the dancers create beauty through dance," said Nancy Suwalski, cultural arts supervisor. "This performance represents our dancers who have joined together and are unified to bring passion, heart, hard work and determination in every class, every rehearsal, every performance and every competition. Our dancers have had an amazing season on and off the stage. Their commitment, dedication and growth is evident in this not-to-be-missed show."

Artistry in Motion Spring Showcase 2015 will be presented 7 p.m. Friday; and at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $8; $5 for dancers and students.

For information, visit www.DPParks.org or call (847) 391-5711.

"Counting Stars" has become a crowd favorite as well as the recipient of many awards. Jamie Salas, one of the Artistry in Motion instructors, choreographed this special piece that includes the entire dance company. Courtesy of Colette Plantz

Tap dancers Nicole Roskoske and Mathew Skorupski pose at the close of their '50s inspired dance, "I Knew You Were Trouble," choreographed by Laura Witter. Courtesy of DRC Photos

Junior Company B performing "Soda Pop" choreographed by Allie Buchweitz. Courtesy of DRC Photos

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