Three Can’t-Miss Dance Concerts
December’s Modern, Social, and Aerial Dance Events
As the year comes to a close, there’s a chance to see what the dancers in our midst have been up to in 2011. These three December dance events showcase area talent from students to professionals and represent the full range of dance styles practiced in our community. Catch one, two, or all three — there’s no better way to celebrate the coming of a new year.
1. SBDC’s Holiday Dance Showcase: Celebrating 16 years in business, the Santa Barbara Dance Center closes out 2011 with refreshments, social dancing, and performances by instructors and students. There’s something here for every dance lover: ballroom, Latin, Argentine tango, salsa, bachata, swing, hip-hop, flamenco, hula, jazz, and world dance are all represented. Audience members will also be invited to get up and dance, and all ages and skill levels are welcome. The fun takes place at SBDC’s studios (127A W. Canon Perdido St.) on Saturday, December 3, from 6-9 p.m. For more information, call 899-2901 or visit santabarbaradancecenter.com.
2. UCSB’s Almost, Honest: The fall concert for the university’s dance department, Almost, Honest: 6 New Dances from the Heart features modern dance choreography by faculty members Christina McCarthy and Nancy Colahan alongside work by four talented undergraduates. Young dancers from the BFA program make up the cast, and students also work behind the scenes on lighting, sound, and costumes. Among the works on this program is Maggie Hurd’s “Crumbs at the Bottom,” a quintet set to classical music and incorporating five backpacks, as well as “A story about a boy and a girl trying to hold hands,” in which choreographer Larry Daniels explores themes of risk-taking and letting go of attachments. Catch this show at UCSB’s Hatlen Theater on Friday, December 2, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 3, at 2 and 8 p.m. For tickets, call 893-7221 or visit www.theaterdance.ucsb.edu.
