DANCERS SOAR IN 'UNLEASHED'

By CECELIA GOODNOW
P-I REPORTER
A dozen lithe, young bodies undulate in unison on the shadowy dance floor -- lunging, flexing, tracing shoulder circles to a throbbing bass that resonates in the bones.
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Comments From Patrons

"I really enjoyed the performance "Glass Houses". Seeing folks with disabilities participating in a dance piece was great. The choreography allowed us as an audience to grapple with our own glass houses and how we treat others as we watched the dancers. The energy of the dancers was great to see. Finally, the question and answer period was wonderful. We got to know the performers just a little bit better and to hear the impact that this project had on their lives." Dance Patron Comments on "Glass House Project" May 2007

"Overall, the dance production was a masterpiece of artistry...The performance came alive for me, right before my eyes, what a thrilling and new experience. I was surpirsed and challenged with the artistry being 'outside the box'. Dance patron comments on "Breaking Ground" May 2006 Spring Performance.

"The week before the block party the church received a call from a woman who got a flyer and specifically inquired about the hip hop dancing. She wanted to make sure it was okay for her young daughter to watch. Your ministry is a blessing. To show non believers that Christian music and art can have various forms and doesn't have to compromise our values was a tremendous witness and encouragement." Liz Chang, Joyful Life Church

Comment From Our Outreach Work with At Risk Youth

"Two of the young ladies who we serve in our Drop-in Center were having issues with each other. It was a little bit questionable if they could handle being together for the Hip Hop class that was taught. However, one of the youth told me that as soon as she was dancing and saw how talented the other girl was that she found a new respect for the other girl and didn't have a problem with her anymore. She said that it was cool to see that something she loved (dancing) was something that this other girl loved too. She was able to see this other person in a new way.

One small yet significant thing I observed in the youth was that they all started talking about dance after the show. (Love is in the Air Feb 2007) They started sharing cool dances they had seen (from Capoira to Stomp), the difficult moves and started discussing what kind of things they would want to see in a show. In a place where teenagers are often talking about partying, drug use, sex, violence & video games it was fun to hear them be excited and talk about dance."- Naomi, New Horizons Drop In Center