By Brendon James/reporter
The final artistic dance event on NE will showcase a blend of styles.
Converging Rhythms will include dancing styles such as contemporary/modern dance, classical ballet, jazz, tap, swing dance, Irish step dance, musical theater dance and hip-hop. Concert performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 2 and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. May 3 at the NFAB theatre.
Jayci Gillie, a two-year NE performer, said students in the dancing classes have worked hard to put together the dance performance, and director Kihyoung Choi and choreographer Linda Quinn have helped the students.
“In dance class, we are a family,” Gillie said. “I’ve learned so much more from Linda and Kihyoung than I did from other dancing studios and high school. They give you life lessons, and it does not matter if you are an expert dancer or a rookie. We treat everyone equally.”
Gillie said Quinn has not only been a great teacher but a fantastic person in general.
“Linda is like a second mom, in a good way,” Gillie said. “You can basically talk to her about anything. She is positive, classy. I never hear her say anything negative.”
Choi said the concerts have always had a full audience.
“Our show is always a sold-out show,” she said. “On average, we get around 250 people every year, and we always exceed the capacity limit.”
The concert will feature members of the Movers Unlimited Dance Touring Company, the NE Dance Company and students in the NE Dance program, which adds up to a range of 150-200 dancers. Brief mature images and content are also included in the production, according to Quinn.
Tickets go on sale at noon April 28 in the NE business services office. Advanced tickets are suggested due to the possibility of sold-out performances. Tickets are free to all TCC students, faculty and staff with a valid ID. Any remaining tickets can be purchased for $5 at the NE theater box office, which will open one hour before the concert begins. Children young enough to sit in an adult’s lap can receive tickets for free.