ALL SUMMER LONG AND ALL AROUND TOWN, AMB IS HELPING PEOPLE EXPERIENCE DANCE!
Summer is the traditional “off season” for ballet, but AMB dancers are keeping on the move! Throughout July and August, our dancers are leading numerous free events at after-school programs, libraries, retirement communities, and parks through our community engagement programs.
“Over the summer we have been BUSY,” says Kogan Larsen, the AMB artist who doubles as the company’s engagement coordinator. “We have been bouncing all over, teaching ages 3 through late 70s! A lot of times we get someone who says, ‘I’m not a dancer’, or ‘I could never do that’… and then by the end of the class they are surprised that they learned so many new steps and were doing them alongside professionals!”
“Whether I am in North Omaha, Council Bluffs, with little ones, or high schoolers, or at a retirement center – the cool thing is that everyone enjoys it. The music, the movement, trying something new. It’s a good reminder that dance is for everyone.”
A highlight, Kogan said, is Discover Dance: an ongoing program of structured ballet classes, offered free of charge, to boys and girls ages preschool to high school, at community sites that include Girls Inc., NorthStar Foundation, Lakin Child Development Center, Kirn Middle School, and more. What began as one class of 15 third-grade girls has blossomed into a group projected to reach 175 students this coming season, she said.
Other community events include story-time programs at area public libraries, which draw fans of all ages, Kogan said. Typically, dancers come in costumes relating to the program’s theme, demonstrate some dances, and join library staff in activities.
Visits to retirement communities typically include introductions, Q&A, and a mini-performance (a lively pas de trois from the ballet Giselle is an audience favorite.)
And public classes – fun, free, and open to all ages – give anyone a chance to learn new steps and discover the joy of movement – no experience required!
Here’s Your Chance to Experience Dance!
Three free, open-to-the-public community dance events are coming up:
- Friday, July 25, 10 am: Outdoor dance class at the RiverFront Performance Pavilion, Gene Leahy Mall, Omaha. Open to all ages and focused on discovering the joy of dance. Wear movement-friendly attire!
- Tuesday, July 29, 10:30 am: Storytime @ Bayliss Park with Council Bluffs Public Library. Recommended for kids 5 and under with an adult companion. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs.
- Friday, August 22, 4 pm: Join us at Hoff Fourth Friday, a monthly evening of art, music, food and more at AMB’s home – the spectacular Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center in Council Bluffs! We’ll be offering two half-hour, all-ages Discover Dance classes beginning at 6 pm. Wear movement-friendly attire!