Dance Alive National Ballet and Pofahl Studios present The Next Generation’s Spring Concert

Press release from Dance Alive National Ballet

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Dance Alive National Ballet’s student group, The Next Generation, will present their Spring Concert at 4 p.m. on May 4 at the Eastside High School Theatre.

One of the joys of The Next Generation’s SPRING CONCERT is the way it touches each dancer and every audience member.

This year’s graduating senior is Lea Sanchez. The opening work of the afternoon, “Le Corsaire Suite,” was selected to introduce and perhaps challenge the entire Company in both traditional classical ballet and character dance. The leads will be danced by graduating senior Lea Sanchez and DANB/NG Director Tales Ribiero. Character leads will be performed by Jaylina Farberow and DANB guest artist Victor Mancuso. The three soloists (Odalisques) will be danced by Ellie Aponick, Leah Perine, and Yaqi Song. This work was staged by Ms. Ridley and Mr. Ribiero.

DANB/NG Director Ms. Ridley staged a tap work by DANB choreographic fellowship recipient Judy Skinner and a Bollywood piece created by Summer Intensive Guest Artist Autumn Marie, along with a piece created for younger dancers, “Appalachian Spring.” 

AND THEN…STUDENT WORKS! The opportunity to choreograph is a highlight for the dancers. They plan, select, and edit music; cast; create; rehearse; select costumes and lighting; and learn about choreography with guidance from their directors. 

And then their work is performed.

Student choreography for this show includes a work by DANB Apprentice Iolanthe Cushman from Keystone Heights. Ms. Cushman has appeared with DANB in “Romeo & Juliet,” “Swan Lake,” “Nutcracker,” and “Lady Bug: Action Hero.” Leah Perine, from Ocala, and Lea Sanchez, from Gainesville, come together to present a piece for the Company. These two dancers, both DANB Corps De Ballet, performed the role of ‘Clara’ in “Nutcracker” as well as performing in “Swan Lake.” Ms. Perine, most recently seen in “Romeo and Juliet,” also danced a featured role in “Finding Freedom,” presented at The First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville. 

The finale, “One Night Only,” presents the entire Company in a work choreographed by the Next Generation Directors.

Join us for an amazing afternoon of dance – a window into the future!

This performance is family-friendly.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 per child over five and may be purchased at Pofahl Studios and at the door. 

This performance by Next Generation provides support for DANB’s educational programs.