Reality shows spark popularity of dancing
Posted on Sunday, January 22, 2006
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/36714/
Whether it’s "Dancing with the Stars" or "So You Think They Can Dance," recent reality shows seem to influencing local teens. "After people watch it, they think, ‘Oh, I can do that, ’" said Frank Vega, artistic director of La JAZZDANZ Company in Houston. "Our participation level really picks up after those shows come out — especially ‘ Dancing with the Stars. ’"
Zega, along with Aaron Girlinghouse, led a Dance Coalition workshop Saturday that featured intense training in jazz, tap and modern dance at the University of Arkansas’ HPER building. "This is our second year to host the workshop, and we’ve had a lot of participation," Girlinghouse said. "We really enjoy it. The dancers are so receptive and sweet and they work really hard."
Formed in 1996, the Dance Coalition is a nonprofit group of choreographers and dancers. The group serves as a vehicle for introducing Northwest Arkansas residents to regional choreographers and dancers. It is also the only cooperative coalition in the state. "My mom got me involved in ballet when I was 3, and I’ve been taking dance classes ever since," said 13-year-old Nicole Engler of Bentonville. "Workshops like this sharpen your skills and allow you to get practice from other teachers."
Vega said recent reality shows have not only increased dance participation, but also diversity. "Every now and then you get something that excites people — it’s great," he said. "We’ve seen a lot more male participation, too. I think the fact that we’re guy teachers helps. Shows like ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ have also made it OK for guys to dance."
Coalition Board President Aurora Zisler said Vega and Girlinghouse were invited to lead this year’s workshop because of their extensive background in dance and musical theater. They have also collectively worked and trained companies in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Houston, as well as Europe, she said.
The coalition also offered free dance classes to local public and private school students Friday, including the Fayetteville High School pom squad, the New School dance students, and art students from the Benton County School of the Arts. "Most of these girls have been taking dance for years, but I think the reality dance shows have sparked a lot of new interest," Zisler said. "We’re totally copying off the shows by hosting a ‘So Think You Can Dance?’ fund-raiser on Feb. 3."
During the fund-raiser, Zisler said, each student will have 90 seconds to perform. Audience members will then vote the winner, who will be invited to perform during the coalition’s spring concert at the Walton Arts Center in March.