May 20, 2015 - Once again, the Merced College Theater will be filled with the rhythmic movements of the Pacific Islands, the beauty of ballet, the tempo of tap, the enchantment of belly dance, and the joy of jazz, as local dance companies showcase their talented dancers during the 23rd Annual Festival of Dance Friday, June 12 through Saturday, June 27.
The Festival of Dance is sponsored by the Dance Teacher’s Cooperative, a group of dance instructors in the Merced-Mariposa area that was formed in connection with Merced College Community Services more than 20 years ago.
Proceeds from the summer Festival of Dance and the spring Dance Kaleidoscope are placed in a perpetual fund. The interest from the fund generates income that provides local scholarships for dance students entering Merced College, as well as Merced College dance students who are transferring to a four-year college or university. Proceeds from the dance activities are also used for theater equipment and improvements. Over the years, the Dance Teachers’ Cooperative has funded light and sound improvements, a dance floor, and lobby upgrades, among other projects.
The Festival of Dance performance schedule is:
Merced Academy of Dance
Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13 at 7 p.m.
South Pacific Dance Company & Merced Belly Dance Company
Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m.
The Dancers’ Studio
Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m.
STEPS Dance Studio
Saturday, June 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Denisa’s School of Dance
Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m.
Mariposa Academy of Performing Arts
Saturday, June 27 at 2 p.m.
All performances are open to the public and tickets for all shows are $10.50 for general admission and $8.50 for ASMC students, seniors, military and children under 12, except Merced Academy of Dance.
Tickets for Merced Academy of Dance performances are $18 for general admission and $15 for ASMC students, seniors, military and children under 12.
Tickets are available at Peraino’s in the Bear Creek Galleria, Gottschalk’s Music in downtown Merced, Maciel & Co. in the Merced Mall, the Merced College Bookstore, Merced College Community Services, and the Merced College Box Office.
Tickets for the Mariposa Academy of Performing Arts performance will also be available at the Mariposa County Arts Council.
Tickets will be collected at the outlets the day prior to the performance and it is suggested that tickets be purchased early as some performances do sell out. Remaining tickets can also be purchased at the theater box office one hour prior to each performance.
For additional information, contact Community Services at (209) 384-6224.
