Allan Hancock College youth dancers will present The Pied Piper and The Emperor’s New Moves as part of its annual Magical Moments dance event April 27 to 29. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 27 to 28; and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 28 to 29, at the Severson Theatre in the Santa Maria campus Performing Arts Center, building D.
Under the direction of Cynthia Valenzuela and choreographed by Courtney Grimnes, The Pied Piper features several students enrolled in the College for Kids’ Youth Dance Company class. This class is a performing group of advanced dancers ages 12 to 18 who are selected by audition.
Lyrric Burgos dances the lead of the piper, who offers to rid the town of Hamelin of its mouse overpopulation. Youth Dance Company member Bailey Jo Hall dances the part of the mayor, who initially agrees to pay the piper for her services, but then reneges on the payment agreement, causing the piper to—briefly—spirit away the town’s children with her enchanting flute-playing.
The Emperor’s New Moves, choreographed by Brent Lewis and Kaylee Perez, is a twist on the story of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Bridgit McLaughlin dances as the emperor, and the story follows her journey from a foolishly haughty emperor to a more kind and empathetic leader of her kingdom. Along the way, she travels with her adviser Inca, danced by Katie Summers, and meets Mother Nature, danced by Cece Andrade, numerous animals, villagers, and the river, led by the river spirit, Madison Yolar-Groppetti. McLaughin, Summers, Andrade, and Yolar-Groppetti are all Youth Dance Company members.
This year’s cast also includes dancers from across the Santa Maria Valley, as well as dancers who are currently enrolled in College for Kids ballet, hip-hop and jazz dance classes offered through Allan Hancock College Community Education.
Tickets cost $12 for adults; $8 for children/seniors/students. For more information, call 922-8313.
Arts Briefs is compiled by Arts Editor Shelly Cone. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Apr 12-19, 2012.