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Genesee, Monroe County dancers to perform at nationally televised event

By Daniel Crofts

On New Year's Day, 26 lucky young ladies will ring in the new year in the Outback -- that is, in the stadium at the Outback Bowl half-time show in Tampa, Florida.

All 26 girls, ages 8 to 18, are students at Suzanne's School of Dance at 33 Center St. in Batavia. Most are from Genesee County, though there are a couple from Monroe County as well.

Sponsored by Outback Steakhouse and always held on January 1, the Outback Bowl is an annual, nationally broadcast college football game featuring teams from the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences. The 26 dancers from Suzanne's will be representing Genesee County and Western New York in a performance featuring around 500 youth from all over the United States.

If this is an exciting opportunity, it is also going to be a test of skill and focus. The girls will spend a week in Tampa leading up to the big game, and their schedule will be packed with daily rehearsals to coordinate their choreography with the other 500 dancers.

Each participant faces a cost of about $1,300 for room and board, so the group is asking individuals and businesses in Genesee County to help offset the expense. Various fundraisers will take place over the next several months, and private donations are welcome as well.

According to Jennifer Vislay, the mother of one of the participants, the girls were selected as a result of an audition video that they wanted to do as a group rather than individually.

"They do everything as a team," Vislay said. "The older girls help the younger girls...it's just a very team-oriented project."

The first fundraiser will be a chicken barbeque this Sunday. It it set to start at 11 a.m. in the parking lot across the street from the studio, and will continue until sold out. A bake sale, basket raffle and 50/50 raffle will be included.

For more information, call Vislay at 737-5314.

The 26 dancers are, in alphabetical order by first name, Alexis Vasciannie, Allison Kropf, Alynn Franclemont, Amber Fitzsimmons, Ashley Johnson, Ashlyn Puccio, Aubrey Puccio, Cianna Kusmierski, Elizabeth Barcomb, Ella Bridges, Emilee Schroeder, Emily Thompson, Emily Verdaasdonk, Emma Richardson, Gyna Gibson, Haley Sweet, Kali Markek, Katie Raziano, Kendall Senko, Lily Senko, Maddie Phillips, Megan Currier, Micheala Misiti, Mikey Lullo, Mollie Heale, Rylei Odessa and Sarah Whitehead.

Photo taken by Jennifer Vislay

A Celebration of Black History

By Cathy DeBellis

The Forum Players Theatre Company of Genesee Community College will present A Celebration of Black History, Friday and Saturday, February 21 & 22, 2014 at 7:30 pm with a matinee performance at 2:00 pm Sunday, February 23 at the Stuart Steiner Theatre, Genesee Center for the Arts, Genesee Community College, Batavia.  This multi-arts event takes the stage in celebration of Black History Month and features a collage of songs, dance, poetry, monologues and a one act play, all celebrating the achievements of black Americans and recognizing the central role of African Americans

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Round, Square, and Line Dance Fundraiser at Pembroke Community Center in Corfu

By Kate Martin

May 4, 2013 - 7 to 11 pm   at 116 E Main St. (Route 33) Music by Gary Burdick & Edge of Sundown.  Line dance instruction.  Chinese auction.  Refreshments.  Benefit for Batavia DAV Chapter 15 Van Fund.  Info:  585-762-8791

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Round, Square, and Line Dance at Pembroke Community Center in Corfu

By Kate Martin

Music by Gary Burdick & Edge of Sundown.  Chinese auction.  Admission for dancers is $7, for spectators is $4 and under age 16 is free.  Line dance instruction by Diane Winters.  Community Center is located at 116 E. Main St. in Corfu. Benefit for East Pembroke Grange.  Call 585-356-8806 or 585-762-8791 for information.

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Round, Square and Line Dance

By Kate Martin

Round, Square and Line Dance at Warsaw Moose Lodge, 13 Frank St.  Chinese auction, refreshments available, line dance instruction.  To benefit Veterans Van Fund for transporting veterans to VA appointments.  Admission $7 per person, $4 for spectators, free under age 16.  Call 762-8791 for information.

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Spring Fling Dinner Dance

By Diane Burroughs

SAVE THE DATE!

2nd Annual

St. Paul Lutheran Church

Spring Fling Dinner Dance

Friday, April 27, 2012

Family-Style Dinner served at 6:00 p.m.

(Ham-Scalloped Potatoes-Green Beans-Cabbage Salad-

Homemade Desserts, including Sugar-Free)

Dancing 7:00 - 10 p.m.

Live Music of the 50's- 60's - 70's

by

Canale & Co.

$20.00 per person

For tickets or more info...Call 343-0488

St. Paul Lutheran Church is located at

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Brent Persia at Larry's Steakhouse

By Brent Persia

Live acoustic and electronic music with Brent Persia starting at 8:45

Top 40, 90's rock and rap, 80's dance, oldies and more

Labatt Blue girls with prizes and giveaways

Drink specials all night

No cover

 

www.brentpersia.com

www.facebook.com/brentpersia

Larry's Steakhouse

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002006540503

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The Young Americans visit Attica High School

By Rick Franclemont

 

From October 9th through 11th, The Young Americans International Music Outreach Tour visited Attica High School culminating in a full two hour concert / show that included students from grades 4-12 attending from local school districts.

The Young Americans are a company of 40 staff, singers and dancers. The college age members of the Young Americans are from many countries around the world.

 

The Young Americans main purposes are:

  1. To encourage music in our nation's schools
  2. To train young people in performance
  3. To stengthen character

The workshop was aimed at providing an experience that brings every student enjoyment and benefit. 

The first two days were filled with classes, staging and rehearsal excercises (the students were placed into groups for ease in teaching and learning on appropriate levels).

On the third day, the students performed with the Young Americans on stage in a concert for the community, featuring students and their personalities, talents, and newly discovered abilities.

 

 

Many more pictures from the event can be found here

 

 

Historical Society of Elba 2nd Annual Barn Dance

By Amy Vlack

The Historical Society Of Elba is holding their annual barn dance at Torrey's big maroon and white barn on Rt. 98 in Elba.  Look for the sign.

Adults $6.00, students under 18 $3.00

Performances by the Elba High School Jazz Ensemble and Kelly's Old Timers

Many refreshments will be available.

For more info call Ron 757-2590

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Barn Dance

By ronald Komar
The Histotical Society Of Elba will be presenting it's second annual Barn Dance at Torrey's Barn on Rt.98 South of Elba on the East side of the road (big White and red barn w/windmill )on Oct,15.. Dance will be from 6:00 Pm to 11:30 Pm. and feature Kelly's oldtimers and The Elba High School Jazz Band.Food and refreshments will be available and cost is $6.00 Adults and $ 3.00 students under 18 polished concrete floor new restrooms and heat,fun for all and dancing for all ages call Ron for additional info. at 585-757-2590
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Local dancers who wowed Poland invited back

By Daniel Crofts

When Robin Cotler and the Images Evolution Dance team performed in the town of Ladek Zdroj, Poland, last year, they probably never expected to be invited back so soon.

Cotler -- the founder and director of Images Evolution and its housing studio, "Images in Dance" -- travelled with her students to the small mountain town last year as part of a cultural exchange program. She said they were recommended by a previous participant.

"Soul Force" is the name of the work they performed for the people of Ladek Zdroj. It was so well received that the group was invited to come back this year for a repeat performance and commissioned to perform another piece as well.

"As far as I know, we're the only company they've invited two years in a row," Cotler said, adding that performing groups are normally asked to come back every other year or so.

Dancers' ages range from 16 to 23. They are pictured above, along with Cotler (left). They are, from left, Joseph Cotler (back), Krista Montrone, Emily Drilling, Robert Tyler, Kristen Drilling, Laura Neth (back), Charity Newton (front), Noelle Cotler, Stephanie Denzler and Stephanie Breining.

Last night, on the eve of their departure for Poland, Images Evolution treated locals to "Soul Force" -- and to a premiere performance of "I Am," the new piece they are bringing to Poland -- at its Liberty Street site.

Cotler got the idea for "Soul Force" from research she had done on the founding of the United States. "Soul Force," according to Cotler, was the name some of the first Americans gave to the idea behind founding our country.

"The whole purpose of the U.S. being formed," Cotler said, was so that people could live together in peace, freedom, and respect. That's kind of gotten lost."

Images Evolution's performance is about these ideals and how things like greed, vanity and political manipulation have gotten in the way.

"I Am," on the other hand, has more personal themes.

"It's almost a sequel (to "Soul Force")," Cotler said. "It's about finding yourself, and finding love for yourself. Once you love yourself, then you are able to love others."

Here is a selection from "Soul Force."

And here is a selection from "I Am."

Cotler sees dance as an art that helps to "open people up and break down defenses." She is very happy to bring that art to Ladek Zdroj, a community she called "the definition of underserved and underfunded."

In addition to bringing Image Evolution's performance to the people of Ladek Zdroj, Cotler will be helping to create a dance academy there.

"Last year we formed some real bonds," she said. "(The people of Ladek Zdroj) talked to me about having me help them pioneer a new program."

She hopes that by helping to get this new dance company off the ground, she will be providing the town with a resource for creative, artistic expression that would not otherwise be available.

"Images in Dance" offers dancing lessons to children, teens and adults, and has locations in Batavia, Akron, Perry and Brockport. For more information, visit their website (www.imagesindance.com), call 343-2818 or e-mail imagesindance@yahoo.com.

Arts scene blossoming in Batavia

By Daniel Crofts

March was Arts Month and it was a busy one. Here are some snapshots of Harvester Center activities, as well as arts-related activities elsewhere in Batavia.

The Batavia Players' production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" (Friday, March 18)

Garrison Starr performance at the Harvester 56 Theater (Thursday, March 31)

Photos submitted by Loren Penman

Starr (pictured with a wool cap) socializes during the champagne reception.

OATKA School of Glass

Photos submitted by Amanda Taylor

People learn how to manipulate glass in a kiln with the help of instructor Lance Taylor (left).

A guest instructor shows people how it's done.

A sample of a student's work.

Leadership Genesee members try their hands at glass art.

For previous coverage, see OATKA School of Glass one of Batavia's best-kept secrets.

"Anything Goes: Books and More"

Proprietor Mary Holmes showed me the above space, which she acquired this past month and which will be used for auctions, craft shows, etc.

For previous coverage of "Anything Goes," click on the following links:

Batavia siblings make a good team selling 'books and more'

Local woman opens retail store in Harvester Center

Coming Soon -- The "Moon Java Café"

(Sorry about the glare.) This is the sign for "Moon Java Café," which will be opening soon in the Harvester Center.

Meanwhile...

Student artwork display -- Richmond Memorial Library Gallery Room

The following are samples of art from Batavia students in grades K-12.

'Music in Our Schools' concert at Batavia High School (Thursday, March 31)

These songs are arranged in the order presented on Thursday night. My apologies -- it was hard to get good pictures from where I was sitting at some points.

Round, Square, Line Dance

By Kate Martin

Saturday, May 21 at Warsaw Moose Lodge, 13 Franklin St. from 7 to 11 p.m.  Music by Gary Burdick and Edge of Sundown.  Line dance instruction by Diane Winters.  Chinese auction, raffles.  Refreshments available.  Proceeds to benefit Veterans Transportation Fund to provide transportation for Veterans to VA medical appointments.  Information, call 585-762-8791 or 585-356-8806.

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Round, Square, and Line Dance

By Kate Martin
At East Pembroke Grange on School Street.  7 to 11 p.m.  $7 per dancer, $4 for spectators, and free under age 16.  Music by Gary Burdick and Edge of Sundown and line dance instruction by Diane Winters.  Chinese auction, raffles.  Refreshments available.  Information - (585) 356-8806 or (585) 762-8791.
Proceeds benefit E. Pembroke Grange #1197. 

 

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Dance Fundraiser

By Kate Martin

Saturday, October 3.  Round, square, line dancing at East Pembroke Grange, School Street.  7 to 11 p.m.   $7 per dancer, $4 for spectators, free under age 16.  Music by Gary Burdick and Edge of Sundown and line dance instruction by Diane Winters.  Chinese auction, raffles.  Refreshments available.  Information - call (585)356-8806 or (585)761-8791.  Proceeds for benefit of E. Pembroke Grange and sponsored by Genesee Country Stompers.

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PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE at GCC

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

The Fine Arts Committee at Genesee Community College is pleased to welcome PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE to our campus this holiday season. Hailing from Rochester, New York, PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE will be performing at the Genesee Center for the Arts on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 8:00PM, in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Batavia's main campus.

Gravity defying, PUSH has been called a cross between fine art sculpture and The Matrix. Athletic and entertaining, this theatre of the body features performers who appear to manipulate time and space in a live environment. "Once you've experienced PUSH, you will know the strength of the human soul expressed by the power of the human body."

Husband and wife team Darren and Heather Stevenson founded PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE in 2000 out of a desire to push the boundaries of conventional theatre. "It's all about the stories. The narratives of our lives played out with hope, strength and optimism." PUSH's unique form has transformed it into a national company that has performed all over England, across the United States and Mexico and has appeared on PBS and NPR.

PUSH's unconventional artistic process can currently be viewed at its MySpace Project Page (www.myspace.com/pushtheatre), where the online community is given an opportunity to view video of works-in-progress and offer comments and opinions, which are taken into consideration and influence the finished work. For more information, including images, videos and downloads, visit www.pushtheatre.org.

General admission ticket prices are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors/students/faculty. For ticket reservations, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at (585) 343-0055 x6814, or by email to BoxOffice@genesee.edu. The Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office accepts cash and checks only, credit cards are not accepted. For door-to-door directions to the Genesee Center for the Arts, sent via email, visit www.genesee.edu.

For further information contact: Christopher M. Montpetit, 585-343-0055 x6814, BoxOffice@genesee.edu.

McMahon Irish dancers win big

By Philip Anselmo

Congratulations to the McMahon School of Irish Dance. The troupe took home a host of medals and top honors at a competition in Buffalo last week.

Charley Boyd got us the details:

25 dancers from the McMahon School of Irish Dance vied with 1600 others at the June 7 Buffalo Feis (pronounced “fesh”), an Irish dance competition.  The McMahon dancers brought home more than 53 medals and trophies, including 9 first places.  The McMahon dancers at the Feis included Abel Zavitz, Ally Criswell, Ashlee Dow, Ashley Hale, Ashley Merkle, Christen Ferraro, Elayna Kinney, Erin Crossen, Jenny Crossen, Jenny Grant, Kerri Dulanski, Kevin Grant, Laura Littlejohn, Lauren Sondericker, Maeve Cooper, Maggie McGinnis, Moira Grant, Morgan Nashwenter, Rachel Prutsman, Samantha Stockwell, Sarah Gambino-Fontaine, Sarah McGinnis, Sasha Boyd, Shelby McGinnis, & Taylor Heineman. The next major competition will take place in Rochester on July 12.  These dancers will be performing locally at the upcoming Genesee County Fair.  The McMahon School offers classes in Batavia, Arcade, Lockport, and Buffalo.

The Batavian hopes to visit the McMahon school sometime in the next couple weeks and put together a video showcasing the talents of our local Irish stylists and letting those of us who don't know just what it means to dance Irish.

In the meantime, if you've got a video you would like to share, please let us know. Or, if you can tell us more about Irish dance, how it's done and where we can find it, don't hesitate to leave a comment.

Check out the McMahon school Web site to find out  about upcoming events, to see more photos or to register for classes. Batavia classes are held at Genesee Community College.

News roundup: Richmond promotes literacy

By Philip Anselmo

From the Daily News (Monday):

  • Richmond Memorial Library has about finished mounting eleven banners on schools, shops and organizations around Batavia. The 9-by-12-foot posters depict blown-up illustrations intended to promote preschool literacy as part of the library's Giving Reading Opportunities program. Check out the article on page A-3 for a full list of sites.
  • Seventy-three years after the Cornell Women's Club of Batavia held its first meeting, it held its last this past weekend. Part social club, part unofficial recruiters for Cornell University, the Women's Club was established on December 15, 1934. Member MaryAnne Sovocool told reporter Joanne Beck: "We may not be meeting together, but we'll never end. We'll be in the meeting room in heaven."
  • Beck also attended the Notre Dame High School graduation ceremony Saturday. Her coverage can be found on the front page.
  • Byron-Bergen student Trent Jeffords got a perfect score and first place at the third annual Dancing Under the Stars at Stuart Steiner Theatre Saturday. His partner was Millie Tomidy, executive director of the Genesee County Mental Health Association. (If anyone got a video recording of the dance, please let us know, and we will post it here on the site for all to see.)
  • A story on page A-7 about Genesee Community College's summer forensic science camps was featured on The Batavian a few weeks ago. Follow the link for more information.
  • Notre Dame's Fighting Irish baseball pulled a come-from-behind victory over Northstar Christian Academy Saturday to advance to the Class D regionals. They will play "Section 6 champion Pine Valley in the Far West Regionals tonight in Jamestown," writes reporter Brian Hillabush.

For the complete stories, the Daily News is available on local newsstands, or you can subscribe on BataviaNews.com.

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