Arlington Dance Ensemble has special show Sunday in Schaumburg
More than 40 dancers make up the Arlington Dance Ensemble, the select performance group drawn from students at the McDonald Dance Academy in Arlington Heights.
The young dancers range in age from 11 to 18, and live in Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights and Rolling Meadows.
Their schools run the gamut as well: Buffalo Grove, Fremd, Hersey, Palatine, Prospect and St. Viator high schools, as well as nearly all of the middle schools in the area.
Yet, each week, says Ensemble Director Linda McDonald, they come together in their various dance classes and weekend ensemble rehearsals, driven by the medium of dance.
"They each possess a solid dance background, and are very dedicated," McDonald says. "They are a very impressive group."
The Winter Gala, at 5 p.m. Sunday at Schaumburg's Prairie Arts Center, showcases their ability in a wide variety of dance styles, from the traditional jazz and ballet, to contemporary and modern dance.
A Moulin Rouge-styled Cancan is one of the many pieces in the show. McDonald says the colorful piece will transport audience members back to the French music halls of the 1890s. Another piece is a lighthearted ballet choreographed to the ragtime music of Scott Joplin.
In a special feature, ensemble members will perform with guest artist Laura Gates, from the professional contemporary dance troupe, Thodos Dance Chicago.
Gates choreographed a piece she calls, "Barb E" for the group, and it reflects the influence of Thodos dancers, and their innovative, contemporary style.
Gates and Arlington Dance Ensemble members debuted the piece earlier this month, when they were one of only four student groups invited to share the stage with Thodos dancers at their "In Performance" show in Barrington.
Next up, ensemble members will co-host, "Dance for Dreams: Next Generation," with Wheeling High School's Orchesis Club, in an effort to raise money for The Children's Place and the Aids Foundation, in conjunction with the "Dance for Life" project, based in Chicago.
Tickets to the Winter Gala are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Call the McDonald Dance Academy at (847) 342-1060 or visit www.McDonaldDance.com.