2008 Woodie Awards
Gallo dances into Modesto
By: Cammie Harris
Issue date: 5/21/08 Section: Entertainment
Nearly 20 million Americans watch "Dancing With the Stars" every week, making it ABC's top-rated prime-time television show. Other stations have rivaled it with shows like "So You Think You Can Dance," "America's Best Dance Crew," "Dance Wars," and "Step it up and Dance."
Dance has even gained a greater following on the silver screen, with recent movies like "Step Up," "Stomp the Yard," and "How She Move." Movie musicals such as "Hairspray" and "Idyllwild" brought even more dancing to the masses.
It isn't surprising to see that the Central Valley is catching dance fever. The Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto has brought in several professional dance companies to perform.
When it comes to dance, there is something for everyone. Fans of tap, hip-hop, funk, ballet and contemporary have flocked to the Gallo Center to see performers from all over the world.
Some performances have been culturally inspired - the Russian folk dance group, Moiseyev Dance Company, performed in January. At the end of May, the Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company will grace the stage, blending traditional Chinese dance technique with contemporary forms.
Ailey II, a branch of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, wowed audiences at three sold-out performances at the Gallo Center this February. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates the African American cultural experience and American modern dance.
At the Gallo Center, Ailey II performed pieces from famous dance numbers choreographed by Ailey himself, as well as routines by modern choreographers. Shortly after their performances in Modesto, Ailey II appeared as guest artists on "Dancing with the Stars."
Ailey II made the most of its visit in Modesto. For three days, Ailey II dancers provided workshops at Central Valley schools. Students from kindergarten to college experienced Ailey II's unique style first-hand.
This was possible due to the Gallo Center's Artist Residency Program. Part of the Gallo Center's mission revolves around art education and providing art opportunities to members of the community.
Dance has even gained a greater following on the silver screen, with recent movies like "Step Up," "Stomp the Yard," and "How She Move." Movie musicals such as "Hairspray" and "Idyllwild" brought even more dancing to the masses.
It isn't surprising to see that the Central Valley is catching dance fever. The Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto has brought in several professional dance companies to perform.
When it comes to dance, there is something for everyone. Fans of tap, hip-hop, funk, ballet and contemporary have flocked to the Gallo Center to see performers from all over the world.
Some performances have been culturally inspired - the Russian folk dance group, Moiseyev Dance Company, performed in January. At the end of May, the Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company will grace the stage, blending traditional Chinese dance technique with contemporary forms.
Ailey II, a branch of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, wowed audiences at three sold-out performances at the Gallo Center this February. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrates the African American cultural experience and American modern dance.
At the Gallo Center, Ailey II performed pieces from famous dance numbers choreographed by Ailey himself, as well as routines by modern choreographers. Shortly after their performances in Modesto, Ailey II appeared as guest artists on "Dancing with the Stars."
Ailey II made the most of its visit in Modesto. For three days, Ailey II dancers provided workshops at Central Valley schools. Students from kindergarten to college experienced Ailey II's unique style first-hand.
This was possible due to the Gallo Center's Artist Residency Program. Part of the Gallo Center's mission revolves around art education and providing art opportunities to members of the community.
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