Disney scores provide backdrop for troupes' showcase

Pop star Elton John composed the song, "Circle of Life," for Disney's 1994 film "The Lion King." With lyrics by Tim Rice and the infusion of Zulu vocals, it drew an Academy Award nomination, and resonated with fans, young and old.

Now, a Des Plaines-based dance company will interpret the pop hit in its third annual Spring Showcase, called "Broadway Magic, the Musicals of Disney."

Performances take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, both at the Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines.

The showcase features two dance companies sponsored by the Des Plaines Park District, including Artistry in Motion, which includes eighth-graders through high school students, and its younger Aim2, made up of fourth- through seventh-graders.

In all, they will perform 13 original pieces in the Showcase, all set to music from the Disney films. "Beauty and the Beast" will be performed in the first half, and "The Lion King" in the second act.

"Circle of Life" opens the second act, and features all 22 dancers from both companies combined in a modern piece with African elements.

"It's a great opener," says Artistic Director Laura Chiuve. "It features both companies and is very colorful."

Chiuve founded the Artistry in Motion Dance Company, in 2004. Right from the start, she says her intent was to retain advanced dancers, and aim their focus on performance and advanced technique.

She started the Aim2 ensemble last fall, helping to mount its first performance in December as part of the Winter Spectacular, at Prairie Lakes.

During their season, both companies perform original pieces, that include an eclectic mix of jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, ballet and hip-hop styles.

For the annual Showcase, Chiuve likes to design the original dances around music from popular musical theater shows, giving the dancers -- and the audience -- a chance to have some fun.

"It provides another element to their training and makes them more well-rounded performers," Chiuve says. "In musical theater, they get to do some acting and interpret their characters, along with their dancing."

Audiences will see that in the first act, when the dancers perform to the music of "Beauty and the Beast," and bring some of its whimsical characters to life.

Chiuve and assistant company director, Cecilia Ferguson-Bell, choreographed the dances, as well as guest choreographer, Alyssa Ditch.

Together they bring their combined backgrounds, honed from collegiate dance programs as well as professional experience with Chicago companies, to teach and inspire their young dancers.

If you go

What: Artistry in Motion and Aim2 dance companies present "Broadway Magic, the Musicals of Disney"

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines

Cost: $8 for adults; $5 for students

Call: (847) 391-5700 or purchase tickets at the Des Plaines Park District Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St., Des Plaines