FestivALL 2011 - June 17-26, 2011

Event Details

Date/Time: 

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm

Featuring stars of "So You Think You Can Dance", Charleston Ballet and River City Youth Ballet Ensemble

See a winner and top competitors from the Fox reality television show "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. "Sabra Johnson, Season 3 Champion was born in the Netherlands and is now pursuing her dance career in NY. Neil Haskell was chosen as Dancer of the Year at the American Dance Awards in 2005 and was second runner up on season three of “So You Think You Can Dance”. He appeared on Broadway in Twyla Tharp’s Bob Dylan based show The Times, They Are A-Changin’ and Off Broadway in Alter Boyz. Also in the Gala are Season 5 top contestants Ellenore Scott,  the daughter of dancers and Kupono Aweau, a contemporary dancer from Hawaii who is scheduled to perform with Britney Spears shortly before his turn here.  Tamara Schrader, choreographer for Hollywood Pop Gallery, will stage the four gala dancers.  Ms. Schrader is staff choreographer for Hollywood Pop Gallery and has performed and choreographed with artists including Diana Ross, Katy Perry, Donna Summers, Earth Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie and Justin Beiber, among others.  Tamara spent her youth dancing with her mother, Velma Schrader, in a Parkersburg based danced company and performed in numerous West Virginia Dance Festivals at the Culture Center.

 CHARLESTON BALLET, the official West Virginia State Ballet, was founded in 1956 by Andre Van Damme.  Now under the direction of Kim Pauley, the ballet has presented over 150 original works, as well as, many traditional ballet stagings.  The repertory includes classical favorites, innovative contemporary works and interpretive folk styles.  The semi-professional company has performed in dance galas during each of Charleston's FestivALLs. They will be joined for the 2011 Dance Gala by a guest danseur and present a varied program. www.thecharlestonballet.com

 RIVER CITY YOUTH BALLET ENSEMBLE, the Official Youth Ballet for the State of West Virginia, is a pre-professional company that was founded in 1995 by director Michelle Raider to give talented young dancers a quality and sound dance education while providing them with valuable performance opportunities.  Company members have been accepted to notable summer dance programs and colleges throught the United States.  They will present a concise version of "The Firebird" with music by Igor Stgravinsky.  The whimsical story tells of a prince, the magical bird he captures and their collaboration to destroy and evil magician.  The company will be joined by guest dancer Forrest Filhour. www.rcyb.org

Tickets: $20, available at the door and in advance at The Clay Center, The Charleston Ballet, River City Youth Ballet Ensemble, Backstage Bodywear and Taylor Books.

Sponsored by Suttle & Stalnaker PLLC