The Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Committee will host Happendance 2 for an evening of youthful contemporary concert dance on Friday, April 15.
Happendance 2 is a select group of dancers ranging from 12 to 18 years old. Mentored by the Happendance Professional Company in Okemos, this junior company is dedicated to learning and performing a variety of dance styles. One of the hallmarks of this year’s repertory is traditional Indian dance that the dancers perform in customary saris. They have already performed the show in Okemos and in Holt and are excited to bring the show to St. Johns.
“This is our second year at the Wilson Auditorium and I am so glad to have found a wonderful venue like this for our show,” said Artistic Director Missy Lillje. “The stage size suits our dancers and I can’t wait to try out their new sound system.”
Contemporary concert dance uses dance to express thoughts, feelings and concepts. During this concert, the dancers will carry the audience through a range of emotions set to both popular songs (Pink, Evanescence, Goo Goo Dolls and Avatar) and instrumental music. One dance, Smash, is a powerful expression of domestic abuse and was selected as an alternate for this year’s Michigan Youth Arts Festival.
Happendance 2 is unique in that the dancers contribute to the mood, the music selections and the choreography. Together, they create a remarkable experience for themselves and their audiences. Dance becomes for them a way to pass safely through the teen years with purpose, energy and strength.
Catch the concert on Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m. at the Wilson Center Auditorium, 101 Cass St., St. Johns.
Tickets are available at the door for $5 (children under 5 admitted free). Proceeds will be split between the Wilson Auditorium Renovation Project and Happendance 2.