Dowagiac’s first “Youth Arts Invitational” kicks off this Saturday, June 18, at 9 a.m.
Dance companies such as West Michigan Dance Center, Citadel Dance and Encore Dance Company will have the opportunity to showcase their talents before a live panel of judges.
Much like popular dance television shows, judges will give live critiques of the dancers.
Judges include: Matthew Farmer, dance director at Anderson University; Alexey Kulpin of Grand Rapids Ballet Company; and Beth LaBaren-Root, dance director at Southwestern Michigan College.
Later in the day, dancers will have the opportunity to take classes from the judges. There is still class space available to area dancers. Call (269) 783-0881 or (269) 580-1447 for class reservations (contemporary, ballet and Giordano-style Jazz).
Encore Dance Company presents Spring Show 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at SMC on the 18th as well.
Tickets are available at Encore School of the Arts or at the door for $8 general admission.
Director Amy Rose says, “Once again, I am so proud of my dancers for their ability to execute a variety of dance styles. The show will open with a full lyrical production, “Wait Till You See My Smile,” choreographed by company Rehearsal Director, Sarah Smallbone.
This piece is a tribute to a fellow Oklahoma City University graduate who was involved in a tragic accident. (Rose and Smallbone both earned bachelor’s degrees in dance from OCU).
Smallbone sends a beautiful message onstage that lets us celebrate a beautiful dancer.
The first act will end with  Kimberly Martz’s  contemporary jazz to “Bad Romance.”
Martz really captured the contemporary and abstract style that is so Gaga. With all new numbers including styles such as clogging, tap and hip hop, the  show closes with a tribute to this year’s seniors, Samantha Mathews and Jessica Hannapel in “Encore the Musical.”
This piece choreographed by Amy Rose, blends show tune favorites from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, Chorus Line, Seussical the Musical and Annie. It’s a can’t miss show!
Information will be available at the show about fall auditions for Encore Dance Company, Encore Extreme Pom Team and Encore Angels ( a Christian performance group for both singers and dancers).
Registration is going on now for both summer and fall classes at Encore School of the Arts. Visit www.encoredancedowagiac.com.