The Civic Arts Plaza recently showcased two dynamic productions from Betsy Melber and the Agoura Hills Dance & Performing Arts Center, featuring some of the area’s top young dancers: Agoura Hills Youth Ballet Theatres’ 9th Annual performance of Alice in Wonderland, an original ballet, and “Star 2011 ‘Wishes’” 14th Annual Dance Concert.
For over 13 years, the Agoura Hills Dance production team, under the artistic direction and ownership of Betsy Melber, has succeeded in bringing the art of dance to the Civic Arts Plaza stages, consistently representing the talents of local youth dancers and choreographers.
Set to the music of the legendary American composer Leroy Anderson, the Alice in Wonderland performed on Sunday, June 26th, is a fulfillment of Betsy’s dream to develop the ballet program in her studio with a tradition unique to Agoura Hills Dance in which students will look forward to being part of every year and expand on as they grow and develop their ballet technique. This ballet gives the
students the opportunity to be part of a story production Ballet in a professional setting, like being in a professional ballet company.
In addition to the assembly of an outstanding array of teachers, choreographers and dancers, the production was top notch, fit for the beautiful Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre. The students showcased months of practice and determination in their two ballet performances.
What’s not often seen is the hard work and determination visible on any rehearsal day at the Agoura Hills Dance studio, where teachers and students are dedicated to making these magical moments happen on stage. “All three of my kids performed in Alice in Wonderland and Star 2011 “Wishes”. The experience was amazing for them and so much fun as a parent to watch. They expressed pure joy
coming off stage! It was an invaluable experience for me to see their hard work pay off”, says Jennifer Kilpatrick, “We were so impressed with the quality of all the dances and the execution of such grand performances!”
Following the ballet, Agoura Hills Dance brought the annual “Star Show 2011 ‘Wishes’” to the Fred Kavli theater, welcomed by a full audience of parents and dance fans from the community and surrounding areas. Featuring Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Theatre Jazz and other styles, the studio presented it’s finest in choreography and invigorating performances.
This year’s show featured special guest artist and former student of Betsy Melber and Agoura Hills Dance, tap dancer Melinda Sullivan, finalist from “So… You Think You Can Dance.” Melinda demonstrated her life-long passion of TAP dance and love of the artform in her two outstanding performances, followed by thanks to Betsy and parents for their investment in keeping the art of Tap dance alive. Melinda and other Agoura Hills Dance alumni continue to support the younger students as teachers and choreographers at the studio.
Also featured at the show was the Agoura Hills Dance Competition Team, recently returning from a successful winning streak at Showstopper 2011 at the Disneyland Hotel. The Agoura Hills Dance teams represent some of the best young dancers in the Conejo Valley. Each team performs in regional competitions from January to June.
Agoura Hills Dance now prepares to begin the 2011 summer session. The four week dance intensive will run July 11th through August 5th, with classes in Tap, Ballet, Pre-Point, Point, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Improv.
Adult classes and all ages morning dance camps will run through the summer session. Surprise workshops will also be announced with special guests. The students look forward to the fun of summer session as they anticipate the Agoura Hills Dance fall session to begin.
For more information, please call Agoura Hills Dance at 818-991-8883 or visit www.agourahillsdance.com