Floridance Fall Showcase to benefit “Compassion in Action Pantry”

November 14, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Floridance will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Florida for its “Don’t Stop the Music” fall showcase to help feed the hungry.

The show will include many styles of dance including pointe, hip-hop, modern, jazz, ballet, and tap. Admission is free, but donations of canned meat or fruit products for the Compassion in Action Pantry are encouraged. The pantry provides a bag of food products to low-income individuals and families to supplement their food budget. All types of non-perishable foods will be graciously accepted, but the Compassion in Action’s biggest need is for canned meats, fish and fruits.

Floridance members are all UF students with rigorous class schedules who devote up to 10 hours a week to rehearsal. Members choreograph their own dances, often to contemporary music, which gives the company’s performances a cutting-edge vibrancy. This year, the 35-year-old dance company has 40 members who have advanced studio training in ballet, contemporary ballet, modern and lyrical dance as well as jazz.

Auditions for Floridance are open to all students. In addition to offering two showcases a year, the dance company also offers free weekly dance classes to the public, taught by Gainesville dance teachers. Visitfloridanceuf.com for more information.