FAYETTEVILLE — The atrium and hallways of the Clarion Inn in Fayetteville were transformed into “backstage” space Feb. 19 as dancers prepared for the sixth annual “So You Think You Know How to Dance?”
Young competitors gathered in groups, anxiously awaiting their turn on stage. Their costumes hinted at the range of dance styles showcased - tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe, lyrical, ballroom, African and Hawaiian.
“You name it, you’re going to see it,” said Erin Basnett, a coordinator of the event.
The competition was a fundraiser for the Dance Coalition, a nonprofi t group of dance teachers, choreographers and dancers. The coalition will host fi ve dance workshops thisyear and the second annual Northwest Arkansas Dance Festival in April, Basnett said.
Members also participate in school presentations and community events.
“The whole mission of the Dance Coalition is to bring education and awareness,” said Eric Sims, past president and committee member. “This (fundraising event) is a great opportunity to showcase the varieties and types of dance in Northwest Arkansas.”
About 100 dancers competed in 47 entries, Basnett said. They ranged in age from 7 to 60-something, although most were under 18. They danced solos, duos and groups in junior and senior categories.
A panel of three judges gave mostly positive feedback with some kindly worded advice. They told one junior soloist to keep her eyes up as she danced, for example, “so we can see your pretty face.”
“A lot of girls that come to me are really shy, not completely comfortable in themselves. They learn how to use their body, how to perform. It helps them, not only in dance but in speaking and daily life.” KI YANNA WRIGHT Director of Infiniti Cheer Dance Tumble in Bentonville
***
AT A GLANCE
DANCE COALITION EVENT WINNERS
Senior solo: Elijah Lancaster, Infiniti Cheer Dance Tumble
Junior solo: Megan Chester, Kaleidoscope Dance Academy
Senior group: Infiniti Elite Repertory
Junior group: Kaleidoscope Dance Academy
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
More than 300 people came to watch, Basnett said. Totals have not been tallied, but she expects to raise about $6,750. Tyson Foods is a lead sponsor. The company’s donation offset overhead expenses, Basnett said.
Proceeds will be used for dance scholarships and to keep the cost of workshops affordable, Basnett said. Presenters for the upcoming dance festival include nationally known teachers Desiree Robbins, Tokyo, Mollie Gray and Rashawn Hammons. Local teachers include Catherine Kyle, Chamisa Wheeler and Pharanda Cole.
Ki Yanna Wright, director of Infiniti Cheer Dance Tumble in Bentonville, said she tries to prepare each of her students for a possible career in dance. Performing in competitions such as “So You Think You Know How to Dance?” is valuable practice, she said.
Students who won’t go on to dance professionally also benefit from the experience.
“They gain confidence,” Wright said. “A lot of girls that come to me are really shy, not completely comfortable in themselves. They learn how to use their body, how to perform. It helps them, not only in dance but in speaking and daily life.”
A group of girls preparing to dance with the Infi niti Teen Repertory took time out from their hair-styling session to talk about why they compete.
“You get to express yourself through dance,” said Courtney Tedder, as several of the other teens nodded their agreement.
It’s an opportunity to makenew friends and to travel, added Dani Gillean. It’s good exercise, the girls agreed. And oh, yes, it’s fun.
Our Town, Pages 1 on 02/27/2011