Park district hosts fundraiser for local dance troupe
Artistry in Motion, the in-house dance company of the Des Plaines Park District, performed 17 numbers on Monday, Oct. 17, at St. Zachary's Church in Des Plaines for the Altar & Rosary Women's Club.
The company, now in its eighth season, previewed several new competition pieces that will be debuted at "Dance Idol" and the "Spring Spectacular," including “Sing” choreographed by Laura Chiuve and “Think Good Thoughts” choreographed by Cecilia Ferguson-Bell.
“Artistry in Motion is proud to raise awareness of dance as an art form through performances at schools, community events, and senior citizens facilities,” Nancy Suwalski, cultural arts supervisor said. “The company benefits from performing in front of an audience as they prepare for their dance concert in December.”
The 35 company dancers range in age from 7 to 16 and study classical ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and hip-hop. Thus far, in 2011, Artistry in Motion has participated in four competitions, and qualified and competed in Nationals, this past summer in Schaumberg. They recently performed at Dance Chicago's Dance Slam at UIC and are scheduled to dance at the Inaside Youth Summit in November; the Des Plaines Tree Lighting; the Winter Wonderland Festival; the Des Plaines Park District's Polar Express; and at Arden Courts of Elk Grove in December.
To help offset the cost of their continued training, master classes, and the travel and costume expenses associated with these performances and competitions, the Des Plaines Park District is hosting a fundraiser at The Second City, Comedy Club and Theatre, on Sunday, Nov. 20.
The Second City show, “South Side of Heaven,” is a thought-provoking, irreverent, and hilarious new production that explores the many fates that propel our world and universe. Tickets are $40 per person or $35 for two or more. Doors open at 5 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m.
There is a two-beverage minimum at The Second City. The evening includes the show, a silent auction, and raffle prize drawing. To purchase tickets please call the dance hotline at (847) 391-6924. The Second City is located at 1616 N. Wells St. in Chicago. Parking is available at the Treasure Island across the street on Wells for $10 or in the Pipers Alley parking garage on North Avenue for $24.
Also, on Nov. 20, the Des Plaines Park District will host a “Rock-in Lock-in” for boys and girls in second to eighth grade. The evening includes sports and games, arts and crafts, movies, dancing, and a pizza dinner. Participants have the option to stay from 5 until 11 p.m. or overnight and enjoy breakfast at 8 a.m. on Monday. Registration is in progress and closes on Nov. 16. For more information visit www.DPParks.org or call (847) 391-5711.