Wally Libenson can pull a rabbit out of his hat; transform a handkerchief into a cane and turn a dance routine into something magical.
That’s why Libenson is listed as “magic consultant” for Music in Motion’s “Magique” dance program Feb. 9-11 at 7 p.m. in the Savannah Center.
Watch exclusive video of their rehearsal here:
Libenson is no hoofer but the guy knows how to shake and bake on stage to sell an illusion or tackle a trick.
“A lot of magic is movement,” Libenson said. “It’s not just a magician standing still on stage making something happen. A lot of the mystery in magic comes from movement.”
Nearly 40 dancers will be on stage for “Magique.” The dance routines will depict everything from raging thunderstorms to the Northern Lights to an enchanted forest filled with mystical creatures.
“It’s a combination of music, magic and dance,” said co-director Dianne Bolton. “We want to put it all together in a special way.” Money raised will help support Villagers for Hospice and Alzheimer’s Association.
Guests include singers David Leshay, Jeri Lynne Fraser and Dave Vece. Presto the Clown will also be on hand to shake things up. Songs at a recent rehearsal included “I’m A Believer” by the Monkees and “Abracadabra” by the Steve Miller Band. Dance costumes are stunning, from pink, blue and green winged-creatures to flowing yellow and purple dresses and black and gold sequined colored outfits.
But the real magic comes when the Music in Motion dancers hit the stage. Many were regular performers in younger days and found a new lease on dancing life in The Villages.
One is Vicky Magee. She is a charter member of Music in Motion and has been with the group for a decade.
“The best thing about it is that Music in Motion gives a platform for retirees to keep dancing and keep learning,” said Magee who looks youthful, spry and agile. But she has battled a serious knee injury and back problems.
“It’s all part of being a dancer,” Magee said. “When you dance, as you get older, your body catches up with you. You’ve got to work hard to say in shape.”
That’s why Magee spends hours in the gym and also stretching. She regularly practices yoga and Pilates. Pain is part of being a dancer.
“You’ve got to soldier through injuries and everything else,” Magee said.
She and the others do just that in “Magique.” The program is basically done in four parts.
The first is a midway and circus atmosphere. Then comes the Enchanted Forest. Part three includes the elements of nature with thunder and lightning. The finale is about classic magic, and Libenson will pull off an illusion to finish the night on a climatic note.
“This is going to be a unique show,” said choreographer and co-director Jim Caisse. “We are going to interpret magic through dance. It’s a challenge but any show is a challenge.”
Caisse is one of the most respected choreographers here and teaches courses at The Villages Lifelong Learning College.
Dealing with a large cast and supernatural subject matter can be a daunting task for the dancers.
“I have to be a little tough on them and I have to push them,” Caisse said. “They work hard and they love dancing and I usually get what I ask for. They give it all they have and they are determined to get it done.”
Karen Bouffard, another choreographer for the show, shares that view.
“We’re getting closer to the show and the last four weeks, you can feel the intensity,” she said. “The dancers are buckling down and polishing their moves.”
Bouffard added that combining music and dance in the same show, “is a lot of fun and fascinating but it’s also a lot of hard work. Sometimes, you just have to grit your teeth and get it done — and we will.”
