The dance program at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (VSAA) is thrilled to be celebrating twenty years of dance classes, guest artist experiences, and student performances. On Friday, October 16, 2015 alumni are invited to a 6 pm reception at the school (3101 Main Street, Vancouver WA 98663). At 7pm, a public dance concert will take place at the school in the Royal Durst Theater featuring the work of VSAA alumni. Performers and choreographers include Eric Nordstrom (1999), E´owyn Emerald Barrett (2003), Laura Aschoff (2007), and Brent Luebbert (2007). A dance on film featuring choreography by Alexandria Saleem (2013) featuring Emily Krause (2013) will also be shown. Current VSAA dance students will perform a duet choreographed by Spenser Theberge (2005). Former and current dance faculty will be in attendance. The visual art exhibited in the school gallery during the month of October supports the celebratory dance event as the theme of the show is “Capturing Movement”. The event is supported by the VSAA PTSA.
VSAA selects an art form focus and theme each year. Dance is the art form focus this year. The theme is Pushing the Limits: Discovering the Artist’s Work Ethic. The dance program has already experienced master classes from Spenser Theberge (2005), Seattle choreographer Amy O’Neal as a gift from PICA, and California Institute for the Arts. All VSAA students and staff participated in a Day of Dance on September 25th where they took Zumba, West African, Hip Hop, Square and Latin dance classes. In October, school staff, students and VSAA families will have an opportunity to attend the Twyla Tharp concert supported by White Bird Dance in Portland. In February, the Joffrey School (NYC) will audition VSAA students for summer study. In March, VSAA students will attend the National High School Dance Festival in Pittsburgh. Kyle Abraham (MacArthur grant recipient) will be in attendance for a lecture demonstration at the school in March.
Admission cost $10 adults, $5 students
