Evolution Dance will feature a new twist in its upcoming three-night production this month – live music.
“Let’s Face the Music and Dance,” will be held Jan. 29-31 at 7 p.m. in Savannah Center and feature The Villages Swing Band. That means with the dancers and the band, over 60 Villagers will participate.
“I think this will be the biggest thing we’ve ever done,” said Diane Vargas, artistic director of Evolution Dance. “Live music makes all the difference. We want to showcase the dancers and the Swing Band, but we also have singers.”
Watch video of the group:
As usual with Evolution, there will be a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, Latin and Irish numbers. Proceeds will benefit Operation Helping Hand and Fisher House.
Songs range from “Tea for Two,” to “Mr. Bojangles” to the title number, “Let’s Face the Music and Dance.”
In addition to the dancers and the band, singers will also be in the spotlight. Billie Thatcher, Carter Poust, Sue Schuler, John Rogerson and Jill Marrese will perform. The Palm Trio, featuring Marrese, Joe Mankowski and Rich Roeske also will play.
“We’ve got a lot of people in this; it’s going to be a unique show,” Vargas said. “It’s been a real learning experience for the dancers. When you dance with a live orchestra, things change. You have to keep up with the tempo and the rhythm.”
Five choreographers are working on the two-hour show, including Helene Yelverton, Cheri Lindell, Rose Bianchini, Phip Fuller and Vargas.
“It’s so much different with live music,” Yelverton said. “The intensity of the orchestra and the music gets into your soul.”
Jean Butler, director of the Villages Swing Band, also enjoys the challenge.
“It is a pleasure to work with the dancers,” she said. “They are so talented and appreciate having live music. Live music allows the dancers to emote more feeling while they are dancing because the tempos aren’t as rigid as recorded music.
“The main challenge for the band is to get the tempo right for each dance. This is a show worth seeing.”