Arnavaz Fatemi / Roundup
Hope filled the air in the new dance studio as more than 75 dancers packed the room during Sunday auditions for the Fall 2009 folk concert at Pierce College.
Not only was the number of people that showed up a surprise — which is usually around 35, according to Marian Weiser, instructor of theater and dance — but the amount of males who showed up was also surprising.
“America has more male dancers since hip-hop has become popular,” Weiser explained.
Sandy Allman, a professor who is currently teaching social dance, said, “Folk dancing is really exciting when you have guys. They bring it alive.”
Other than the excitement about male participation, the dedication put out by all the dancers is no secret.
Melanie Dayan, an 18-year-old Pierce student, said she hopes to have “fun and a good time” with the dances, but is also willing to practice “as many hours as it takes to make it look good.”
She isn’t the only one showing devotion. Anthony Tholberg, a 24-year-old Pierce student, said, “I’ll never stop dancing. As long as I have legs, I’ll be dancing.”
This year’s Folk Dance Concert will feature dances from America and Bulgaria to Italy and Spain.
Included along with the wide range of different dances being performed will be a Michael Jackson tribute dance choreographed by Jay Zornes, who is 19 years old.
The piece, which Zornes described as “really technical,” is said to have taken two weeks to choreograph.
“It’s just for a tribute,” Zornes said. “He’s everybody’s inspiration.”
The concert will take place Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
Tickets go on sale Oct. 2. Tickets can be reserved by calling (818)-710-4355.
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Jacqueline Eusanio, a folk and social dance instructor at Pierce College, teaches Azerbaijan folk dance moves to students auditioning for the folk dance concert. (Ayda Memary / Roundup)
