School Enrichment Performances – Free Shows for Blaine County Schools & Public
Footlight Dance Company, under the artistic direction of Hilarie Neely, is not slowing down anytime soon after celebrating our “40th Anniversary year.” We are proud to announce our annual school enrichment performances in the Blaine County Schools “LITERACY/CREATIVITY” January 23 – February 4, 2025. A free community public performance will take place Thursday, January 30, 7 p.m. at the Community Campus, Hailey. The performance is geared to all ages. The company of 14 dancers will present a show inspired by books for all ages. Working with The Community Library in Ketchum, we have chosen five authors who bring different creative thoughts for us to represent through the art of dance. For over 36 years Footlight has provided our Blaine County students, free professional educational dance performances at the end of January.
Our mission has been to expose/experience dance and other collaborating art forms in an educational setting, which allows students the opportunity of reflect on issues affecting our world. Performances for BCD students will be held during the school day at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater, 1050 Fox Acres Road, at the Community Campus, Hailey. We will interpret through the use of ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip hop dance forms stories and emotions that come from the written word. A narration that accompanies the performances will allow the art of dance to bring response. and a forum to discuss our creative voices
The 14 dancers attend Wood River High School and The Sage School. Seniors Leila Brickley, Clara Gvozdas, Sarah Leidecker, Ellis Mallett, Grace Rushton, Natalia Simental and Romina Zavala, will be participating in their final year of performances. Our dancers train as athletes taking multiple technique classes along with a conditioning class every week. They rehearse weekends for six weeks prior to the performances, which brings their performance level to pre-professional. These shows are a highlight for the Company dancers, as they assume the life of a touring professional, but still keep up their academic class load at school. It is a wonderful experience to perform for their peers and younger students as they discover dance as an art form with a powerful voice.
Dance Statement: Hilarie Neely
We dance into life at birth – we dance to celebrate – we dance to express – we dance when our hearts need it most. As humans, the arts help us contemplate who and what we are as our imaginations are opened up to possibilities today and tomorrow. The arts bring meaning to our past and present through exploration of potential within oneself. Our world is a richer place with the arts that embrace us each and every day.
For more information contact Hilarie Neely, (208) 578-5462. www.footlightdance.com
