Grooves is an eclectic performing arts program that blends music and dance genres, theatrical expression, narrative and stage dialogue, and stage presence. Grooves offers an innovative, exciting alternative to traditional dance classes that is not so much about dance technique but more about dancing, as an ensemble, with energy, emotion and attitude, and discovering the spirit of all kinds of music. By interpreting music and lyrics, participants are challenged to express themselves physically and emotionally as anything from a flapper to a sorcerer; a cowgirl to a hippie chick; a USO performer to a disco dancer; Madonna to a Latin senhorita! Grooves dance programs are infused with touches of acting, narrating and stage dialogue. Performers share their understanding of how certain music and dance styles evolved within the historical times that gave them birth. Grooves enhances performances with media, costume and prop support. Some classes explore media production that ranges from computer presentations to video production. Others engage in onstage dialogue, some that they script themselves! There are no frilly costumes. We artistically support performances with with everyday clothing and costume items such as hats, bandanas, colored t-shirts, etc.
Grooves' style of theatrical dance draws from many dance disciplines, particularly lyrical jazz and social dance. Participants are instructed in staple dance moves and participate in choreographed ensemble dance performances. Grooves emphasizes body awareness, physical strengthening, and bodily and facial expression. We coax the show person within to emerge, free of intimidation. Grooves builds performers.
Participants are introduced to the dance experience of different musical eras. Through music, dance, print and multimedia, performers meet the music and its makers… the entertainers and shakers. They also discover how and why musical genres and dance styles were influenced by societal and world events.
Depending on the session, participants perform shows ranging from small in-studio presentations and small scale revues at fairs and carnivals, to full ensemble performances at theatrical venues. They truly become members of the Grooves Generation and take a well-deserved bow!
Grooves offers Jazz-a-Matazz Dance Programs for kids, 'tweens and teens in grades 2-12. Grooves also hosts Birthday and Special Event Parties and Seasonal Family Dance Parties, and conducts programs for School Arts and Enrichment and Merit Badges. In addition, Grooves gives women opportunities to dance and party through its Dancing Divas program and Ladies Night events.
When it comes to dancing, Grooves is not out to groom professionals. Grooves is out to nurture the joy that comes from performing and an appreciation of the arts. It's about dancing to the lyrics of different songs of different musical genres. It's about performing in class and before an audience. It's about using your imagination to become different characters onstage. Grooves is about having a great time and feeling throughly fulfilled as a preformance artist.
