| Crosssroads
Dance Project Debuts Unique Nutcracker It's dress rehearsal and every child and "stage Mom" is excited at the idea of getting on stage to fine tune this uniquely choreographed production of "The Nutcracker" by co-artistic directors, Kathryn Eurich and Cynthia Kelly. They are the co-directors of the acclaimed Crossroads Dance Project and have performed in more than 20 Nutcrackers in their own careers. Morris and Kelly have choreographed a highly imaginative story that updates this classic. They have merged dance schools and outreach programs from the Washington DC Metropolitan area with members of the Crossroads Dance Project for this performance. The program features a civic program organization: The Darrell Green Youth Life Learning Center of Washington, DC where Ms. Deborah Knight is the Program Director, and ethnic and traditional dance schools, including: Hearts in Motion of Fairfax, VA and the Chinese Folk Dance Society of Washington. Ms. Knight shared a discussion on the great work of the choreographers and stated "the children have practiced since October 1998. This is a great commitment...Katy Morris, Director of the Performing Arts Ministries of Herndon, VA met at The Grace Covenant Church which is also the home base of the Darrell Green Youth Life Learning Center. Ms. Knight and the dance group directors share 'like ideas' for helping young people!" We talked with the parents of several of the dancers from The Performing Arts Ministries. Quoting Karen Montgomery..."this is the first time experience for my daughter, Katie (age 7). It is rare for ballet schools to come together. This is Katie's 3rd year to study dance, however it's her first year with The Performing Arts Ministries." Brenda Balzer's daughter, Sarah (age 6) is very excited to do the Nutcracker. This is her 1st year in dance classes. Barbara Zuniga shared that her daughter, Natasha (age 7) is dancing for her second year. "It's all so new...just going along with the program!" The "stage moms" also shared their appreciation for The Performing Arts Ministries. "The Performing Arts Ministries is fantastic! The approach is classical...The dance is based on the Glory of God! It's a family affair! My husband and son also take music.", stated Karen Montgomery. "I'm thankful that Katy can help direct my daughter in dance and sharing the glory of God!" "I look forward to the time shared with the moms. It's a good time to come together!" added Brenda Balzer. Barbara Zuniga appreciated the wording in the letter from Katy Eurich..."we're not raising prima donnas. It's the group effort!" The children from these diverse communities will be bringing their unique talents, dance and cultural traditions to the performance. The multifaceted presentation will share a Chinese traditional "tea cup" dance, Mexican folk dance, African heritage dance and a Jewish folk dance. They will perform along side the professional dancers of the Crossroads Dance Project, including Michael Taylor, also a choreographer, Wavor Jewell and Jon-Paul Sousa - dancers with the Cynthia Kelly organization, Ballet East. |