Owensboro Dance Theatre is bringing a new show to the RiverPark Center stage this weekend with In Concert featuring Descendants…Better Together.
Act One will feature ODT’s eight seniors performing their self-choreographed solos. Dancers from the main company and apprentice company will also showcase choreography in several genres of performance, including a ’90s Rockette-style tap piece and a ballet piece first set in 1995.
Green River Area Down Syndrome Association’s Star Squad and Pop Stars will share the stage to take the audience through a The Greatest Showman montage.
The act will end with a tango-esque number choreographed by New York City’s Jon Lehrer.
Senior Hailey Sandefur has danced for 14 years at Owensboro Dance Theatre’s home studio and will be performing her lyrical solo to Landslide.
“I believe it expresses my emotions best,” Hailey said.
She will also be in Act Two as a “friend of the good” in the Descendants production. Her sister Molly is also a “friend of the good” and has been dancing for 12 years. The two have danced in other productions together, including numbers in The Nutcracker, but both are excited to be together in Hailey’s last performance.
“I am excited to dance with friends and also my sister for my last show,” Hailey said.
Molly agreed, adding that she is also excited to have these memories.
“I also am excited to show my family what I like and what I do after school,” Molly said.
Act Two will feature flying effects in the magical fairytale based on Disney’s Descendants. Several Disney princesses are represented, as are many of Disney’s villains.
“Over 140 local dancers will take you on a journey filled with musical favorites and lessons in hope, love, and change,” said Co-artistic Director Natalie Lopez.
Lopez said that it was actually ODT dancers who brought the idea of the show to the artistic directors, who knew the music but not the actual story. After watching the movie and consulting, they were on board to create this show with Marcus Alford.
A Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball will be held this Friday night beginning at 6 p.m in the RiverPark Center lobby. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite Descendants character or rock ‘n’ roll outfit for the costume contest. There will also be dancing, games, treats, dance contests, and more. The cost of the ball is $25.
In Concert featuring Descendants…Better Together will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.
Reservations for the ball can be made by calling 270-684-9580. For ticket information, email, call, or visit the ODT website.
