Des Plaines School of Dance to be 'Dancing On Air'

Over 400 dancers, ages 3-adult, from the Des Plaines School of Dance, will perform original pieces in the culminating event of their year long study, “Dancing On Air,” June 9 and 10, in the Prairie Lakes Theater.

Each concert will showcase an eclectic blend of jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet, lyrical, and modern numbers, with three unique programs presented each day. “Dancing on Air” features music from country, rock, pop, alternative, classical, and oldies radio stations including “Dancin' in the Streets,” “Come Fly With Me,” and “Flashdance.”

The shows open with “Tuning In,” choreographed by Anne Gollenberg, for the Des Plaines Park District's in-house dance company, Artistry in Motion. She has also choreographed the haunting, “Dance of the Wilis,” a ballet piece from Giselle for pre-pointe and pointe. The ballet tells the story of the peasant girl, Giselle, whose ghost, protects her lover from the vengeance of a group of evil female spirits called Wilis.

Other innovative dances this year include Karlo Familara's, “Revenge,” a breakdancin' piece; Gollenberg's “Patriotic Tribute,” a ballet piece with dancers dressed in red, white, and blue tutus; Mary Williams' “Come Fly with Me,” a modern piece set to an old favorite;” Cecilia Ferguson Bell's “Defying Gravity,” a Broadway jazz piece set to the music from “Wicked”; “Mad World”, choreographed by Laura Chiuve, performed by the School of Dance Helping Hands, dancers who volunteer their time in beginning level classes; and “We Are Young,” set by student choreographer, Meghan Hanrahan.

Back again, are the Dads' Dance, Alumni Piece and Senior's Dance. Fathers of Des Plaines School of Dance dancers will perform “Sharp Dressed Man,” choreographed by Stacy Pareti and alumni of the School of Dance will perform “TV on the Radio,” choreographed by Mary Williams. Four graduating seniors will perform “Unwritten,” their final piece as students of the School of Dance, choreographed by Chiuve. The shows close with a new piece choreographed for Artistry in Motion by Williams, “WROCK 567.8,” and features a mix of Rolling Stones, Beatles, Poison, Journey, and Kiss hits.

“The School of Dance prides itself in offering a dance program that embodies inspiration, artistry, technique, and performance. We are very fortunate to have to the best professional teaching staff in Des Plaines,” said Nancy Suwalski, Cultural Arts Supervisor.

Dancing on Air will be performed at the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., June 9 and 10 at 11 a.m., 2:30 and 5 pm.

Tickets are available now at the Administrative and Leisure Center, 2222 Birch Street, for $7, or at the door on the day of the shows, for $8.

For more information about the show, summer dance classes, and camps, call 847-391-5711 or visit www.DPParks.org.