A gala dance production featuring the award-winning Campbell’s Dance Expressions Company is set for Saturday, June 18, at the Mountain View High School auditorium.
At 2 p.m., a classical ballet program, choreographed by Ballet Master Larry Rollins, includes excerpts from Giselle, together with Faust and Chopin waltzes. The program also will feature his original production, La Musee, where artworks come to life, as well as Revival, a classic piece.
The 7:30 p.m. full company production of Live the Dance features varied forms of dance—tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop.
On Friday, a junior show highlights 3- to 5-year-olds showing off their tap and ballet proficiency. At 7:30 p.m., all students 5 years old and older perform everything from tap, jazz, hip-hop and lyrical to cheer and gymnastics.
The community is invited to any and all of the productions. Tickets are $6 for children under 12 years of age; $8 for seniors and students; and $10 for adults. One ticket is valid for both shows on either Friday or Saturday.
Frances Dorinda, owner of Campbell’s Dance Studio, opened the studio 42 years ago. She studied dance from a young age. “I choreographed in my head whenever I listened to music,” she admitted, believing back then it was perfectly normal. Over the years, she has brought the love of dance to countless area children.
Summer classes run from June 28 to July 21, and registration is now open. Cost is $46 per month for a one-hour class per week. “During summer, we do a fun class each day that teaches two different forms of dance,” said Frances.
For birthdays and other special occasions, Campbell’s Dance Studio offers a unique X-treme Dance Party venue. The entire studio is set aside for the event, hosted by professional teachers who teach partygoers two different types of dances, which are chosen by the individual giving the party.
Choices range from gymnastics and hip-hop, the favorite of the boys, according to Frances, to princess-themed ballet, cheer, tap, lyrical and jazz.
Each party lasts for two hours and includes invitations, a yummy cake, punch, themed decorations, dinnerware and party favors. After the dance lesson, each participant dons a costume and makeup as part of a 15-minute show for parents and friends at the end of the party.
Cost for the event is about $150 for 15 guests. The funds are used for travel expenses when the Campbell’s Dance Expressions group appears worldwide in cultural exchange programs. The group has already danced in China, Greece and New York City. Their next appearance is at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
For more information on Campbell’s Dance Studio, visit Campbellsdance.com, or call (480) 830-3450. The studio is located at 2820 E. University Drive, on the northeast corner of University Drive and Lindsay Road.