Gary Moskowitz
Stories of heroism will be told through the art of dance Wednesday
at The Alex Theatre.
Members of the American Repertory Dance Company will perform a
tribute called "Stories of Heroes" at 10 a.m. and noon at the Alex.
The two performances are free and open to the public.
More than 1,000 students from local elementary, middle and high
schools will attend the event, which is part of The Alex Theatre's
arts education outreach program, Executive Director Barry McComb
said.
"We want children to get a taste of dance, and the common thread
is heroes," McComb said. "The goal is to show them that words can be
expressed through dance."
"Stories of Heroes" is a tribute to those who persevered through
the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and also explores heroism from
different periods of time, cultural histories and socio-political
issues. The performances will include dance and song routines
choreographed by Michio Ito, Helen Tamiris and Agnes de Mille.
Performances will also include audience participation.
"Half the experience for these kids is seeing a performance in
such a grand theater like the Alex," McComb said.
The Alex Theatre's arts education outreach program provides three
or four free performances for children throughout the year, McComb
said. Performances Wednesday are being sponsored in part by the
California Arts Council, County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, the
James A. Doolittle Foundation, Boeing Employees Donate Once Club and
Toyota Motor Sales, USA.
