It is hard for kids to sit still. It is just the way they are made.
That is why Repertory Dance Theatre’s children’s performances are such a gift to the community. These “wiggle-friendly” pieces invite children to be involved in all of the action and get a hands-on experience with creative movement.
“Ring Around the Rose” is RDT’s series of family- friendly performances. These presentations include dance, theater, music and storytelling in a fun and interactive environment.
“Children are wonderful audiences,” Linda Smith, RDT’s artistic director, said. “They learn the value and excitement of live performance at an early age. Hopefully they will continue to value this experience throughout their lives.”
Founded in 1966, RDT has always been committed to sharing its passion for dance through education. Part of RDT’s mission is “to help people make connections between life and art by providing education services to the community.”
“RDT has always had a commitment to arts in education,” Smith said. “Children need arts in their lives to make them healthy, aware, happy and creative.”
Including children in these creative works is good for more than just the children — RDT dancers enjoy interacting with young audiences as well.
“It is very satisfying and fun to see the response of children who become totally enthralled with the athleticism and energy that the dancers give,” Smith said.
The love of dance and the desire to share that love compels RDT to continue making family-oriented performances a priority.
On March 12, RDT will present the latest piece in its “Ring Around the Rose” series. In conjunction with Utah Museum of Fine Arts, RDT will perform “Draw, Dance, Design, Discover.”
Smith is pleased to present an event that marries artistic creations with dance.
“Dance and visual arts have much in common,” she said. “You can say that space and shape and line are elements of both. Qualities of energy are similar to color and texture in visual arts. Both dance and painting deal with form. Both disciplines can project emotion.”
“Draw, Dance, Design, Discover” is an interactive adventure that will invite children to become the performers as they experiment with art and choreography.
Seated on the stage with the dancers, audiences will have the chance to dance a color or draw an emotion. They will be able to experiment with line, form and shape on a canvas as well as with their own movements.
Performers and audience members will share a unique and memorable experience as both see and feel the beauty of these two dynamic art forms.
The show begins at 11 a.m. at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for all seats and can be purchased by calling ArtTix at 801-355-ARTS. For more information, visit RDT’s website at rdtutah.org.
Melissa DeMoux is a stay-at-home mother of six young children who lives in West Valley City, Utah. You can email her at mddemoux@gmail.com or follow her adventures in motherhood at demouxfamily.blogspot.com.