Journey through the world of dance at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek
Vail Valley Dance Academy/Courtesy photo
Since 1989, Vail Valley Academy of Dance has offered dance classes for both young children and advanced dancers competing in the repertory company. This weekend, the Vail Valley Academy of Dance presents two different shows, “Around the World” and “Alice in Wonderland,” each of which dancers will perform twice at the Vilar Performing Arts Center.
Friday night and Saturday afternoon, “Around the World” takes the audience on a journey through various countries and dances, including hip-hop, tap, jazz, contemporary and South African, with a little ballet. Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, the Vail Valley Academy of Dance presents its ballet version of “Alice in Wonderland.”
Older students, ages 7 to 18, perform in both “Around the World” shows, while younger students, ages 3 to 6, are divided into groups to dance on Friday or Saturday. In total, Friday features 32 dances, and Saturday’s matinee features 36 dances – a total of about 200 students at each show.
While the little dancers tend to get the most applause, the Vail Valley Academy of Dance repertory company is also a big attraction. This year, they present “Sunrise Samba,” choreographed by Colin Meiring, who won national titles in South Africa in ballroom dancing and has choreographed and directed shows for Royal Caribbean and Silversea Cruises.
“It’s super energetic, with brightly colored costumes,” Ashley M. Calligan, co-owner and artistic director, said of “Sunrise Samba.”
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In addition to a variety of fun performances created by faculty, guest choreographer Sarah Tallman of Wonderbound in Denver produced “A Girl in a Dress.”
“She has such beautiful eyes,” Calligan said.
Other fun dances include “Catch Me If You Can,” a tap dance featuring the Vail Valley Academy of Dance senior tap class dressed as flight attendants, “Jai Ho,” a traditional Indian dance, and “Waka, Waka,” a South African music that also incorporates hip hop.
Students learn about professional dance by performing at the Vail Valley Academy of Dance and working with its team.
“They love the atmosphere of being there. It is an intimate theater, at the same time it is a very professional theater. Working with the crew teaches them what it’s like to work in a professional theater,” Calligan said, pointing out how dancers are given certain dressing rooms, makeup and more.
Friday night also features a special slideshow to honor Meiring, who is retiring after 20 years of teaching at Vail Valley Academy of Dance.
During Saturday night and Sunday matinee, ballet students fill the stage with “Alice in Wonderland” for the second year. The Vail Valley Academy of Dance brings its ballets to the Vilar Performing Arts Center for two consecutive years to maximize the use of props and costumes. The main dances remain the same, but instructors choose different students to dance the main dances through auditions. Meanwhile, younger dancers find inspiration by watching older dancers, Calligan said.
“We make sure every dancer shines,” she said.
The Vail Valley Academy of Dance selected “Alice in Wonderland” because it is a beloved story that almost everyone grows up watching.
“It’s nice to see this come to life in ballet,” she said.
This year, Vail Valley Academy of Dance celebrates 10 graduates, each with specialty or solo parts, such as Alice or the Red Queen.
The studio is also celebrating 35 years of teaching, with more than 250 students and eight faculty members. Over the decades, advanced dancers have been accepted into summer programs at prestigious ballet schools, studied at reputable schools and even performed on Broadway in global destinations like Berlin.
“The level of teaching at this studio is one of the best you can find anywhere in the country,” said Linda Lampert, whose daughter has been accepted into summer intensive programs at the Nutmeg Conservatory of Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet, Joffrey School in New York. City, City of Miami Ballet School, Saratoga Springs and HARID Conservatory.
“We strive to ensure they have a wonderful dance education as well as learn to be the most successful adults they can be,” Calligan said.
