Although she wowed audiences as Mary Magdalene in the February 2019 Arkansas Public Theatre production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," Alix Keil Barrett is a dancer first and foremost. Her mother taught dance and was a choreographer, "so it was always a big part of my life," she says, starting when she was 3. When she's not choreographing APT shows like "Newsies," just on stage in February of this year, she's teaching dance at The Movement and The Dance Force studios -- or was, until covid-19 got in the way.
"I was taking a walk last week to get out of the house and sat down on this empty lot overlooking Beaver Lake," Barrett shares. "I was reminded of the famous outdoor stage at Jacob's Pillow in western Massachusetts. At Jacob's Pillow, dancers come from all over the world to train and perform in barns and on outdoor stages in the middle of the woods, connecting art with nature.
FAQ
Drive-Through
Dance Show
WHEN — 1 p.m. Saturday
WHERE — Right outside the entrance to Prairie Creek Marina; if you are driving into the marina, it is the last turn on the right before entering into the state park
COST — Free
INFO — Email [email protected]
BONUS — The show will also be live-streamed on Instagram @alixkeil_nwadance #nwadrivethroughdanceshow.
"I was lucky enough to train and dance at Jacob's Pillow, and the thrill and feeling of dancing in such a raw and majestic setting has never left me," she says. "I would love for my dance students to be able to experience the same."
Barrett says her students have been training non-stop "and have learned and polished beautiful pieces to compete with this year, and because of covid-19, their competitions have been canceled." So she's put together a showcase that will be the first of its kind in Northwest Arkansas -- a drive-up dance concert Saturday, right outside the entrance to Prairie Creek Marina.
"While most studios have transitioned to virtual classes, students are still missing out on the opportunity to perform and share what they have been working so hard on," she says. "This outdoor space gives them an amazing stage and also allows viewers to stay in their cars, or get out and stand at a safe distance. Dancers will only be performing as solos or small groups to abide by the social and physical distancing recommendations."
Barrett says so far 15 dancers are participating from The Movement Dance Studio, The Dance Force and Bakstage Dance Co.
"We would love more participation from others as well. All are welcome," she says. "This is a great opportunity to come together for the kids and for the opportunity to celebrate art in this dark time.
"The arts are showing the importance they hold in our lives now more than ever," Barrett muses. "During this unprecedented time, people all over the world have turned to the arts to help cope, distract and survive through this pandemic. As with other disciplines, dance has therapeutic properties beyond the physical. Dance can be used to heal the body, mind and spirit. One of the benefits of dancing is an increased sense of vitality -- an awakening and renewal of one's life energy. And that is exactly what we need right now!"
NAN What's Up on 03/27/2020