Are you thinking about what to do on a Saturday night in Naperville in mid-March? You can see a movie on any weekend, but performances such as the Concert Dance Ensemble’s Spring Showcase are like the ephemeral spring flowers—you have to catch them quickly, and then their beauty remains with you long afterwards.

The March 13 Spring Showcase promises to delight the audience with innovative ballet, energetic jazz, excerpts from the musical “Brigadoon” and a production number featuring the entire company of 44 dancers.

The Concert Dance Ensemble is a pre-professional dance company for dancers ages 9 through 18 who study dance through Naperville Park District’s Dance Academy. Supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, the Ensemble has performed at The Great Performers of Illinois Festival at Millennium Park, Dance Chicago, and the Fox Valley Showcase.

Under the artistic direction of Melissa Sallée, students will perform an entire spectrum of dance styles from classic technique to choreography which explores new dynamics of movement. “Mahari,” choreographed by Sallée, is an example of taking dance in a new direction, incorporating martial arts moves and camouflage-style costumes. Another exploratory dance, “Jump,” choreographed by Stacey Cohen, portrays basketball practice from a dancer’s perspective. Familiar elements are woven through the Showcase, as well, including classical ballet, jazz, and pieces set to well-known melodies, such as “Canon in D” and “Walking in Memphis.”

Artistic director, Melissa Sallée, inspires young dancers in their pursuit of expressive art and has a passion to create a dance program that brings high-quality art to the community. This passion is evident in the dancers’ spirited performance.

Says Sallée, “We have pieces that go beyond movement and express ideas that are larger than matching steps to music. They communicate who these young artists are and who they wish to be.”

The performance will take place at Naperville North High School Auditorium at Mill Street and Ogden Ave. in Naperville at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13. Tickets are available for this one-night-only performance at $6 each by Mar. 11 or $8 after Mar. 11. Call the Naperville Park District at 630-848-5000 or visit www.napervilleparks.org.
 

By Sue Omanson, Naperville Park District