The Evolution Dance Company has added a special military tribute to its upcoming patriotic show.
“Bold Stripes and Bright Stars – Celebrating America” takes place July 1 at Savannah Center and a portion of the show will be dedicated to the 75th anniversary of D-Day. It will pay tribute to Villages resident Irving Locker, a World War II veteran who took part in D-Day at Omaha Beach and also fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Locker, who is involved with Villagers for Veterans, was highlighted during President Trump’s State of the Union address this past February.
The new show will take the audience through the decades from the 1940s to the 1960s, reflecting the wars going on during that time.
“The show has some rousing pieces and some very emotional pieces,” said choreographer Cheri Lindell. “There are some really great big production numbers.”
The show also will feature many dance styles including tap, jazz and modern.
“We have a great blend of styles in our shows,” Lindell said. “People are always surprised the first time they see us at the great variety.”
Evolution Dance Company includes many Villages residents who are former professional dancers and dance studio owners.
“When I first joined the group, I was amazed at how hard they work,” said Lindell, a former professional dancer, studio owner and professional choreographer in the Chicago area. “There is such enthusiasm and a wonderful rapport. This truly is a cohesive group of dancers.”
The show, which will include ballerinas dancing on pointe and other former professional ballet dancers, will offer performances at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $24 for Village residents and $29 for the general public.
Discounted group tickets are available and Purple Heart veterans receive free tickets with proper identification. Tickets can be purchased at the Villages Box offices or online at www.thevillagesentertainment.com. The show lasts 90 minutes and there are no intermissions.
The Evolution Dance Company performs two shows a year. The theme for the January show changes, but the July show is always a patriotic event.
“This year is going to be especially meaningful because of the dedication to the D-Day anniversary,” said Lindell.
Proceeds from the show go to support military and veteran charitable causes.
