Dancing Wheels Company Presents RHYTHM & WHEELS: AROUND THE WORLD
By: Sally Henry Fuller Mar. 07, 2015
In a first-of-its-kind production for one of Cleveland's most innovative dance companies, the Dancing Wheels Company will join forces with Elec Simon, world percussionist from the famous Off-Broadway show STOMP, to present "Rhythm & Wheels: Around the World." Starting at 8:00 p.m. on April 25, 2015, the magnificent stage at the Masonic Auditorium will ignite with fiery musicians including the Dancing Wheels Company members, who will join in on the rhythms created by this masterful drummer.
Latin, Brazilian, African, Hip Hop, Tap, along with other genres of music and dance will take the audience on a journey from the origins of these legendary rhythms. Using buckets, authentic drums and even the wheels, the robust ensemble of musicians and dancers will create a synergy and energy that will bring even the most timid audience member to a heightened state of jubilation! Mr. Simon said, "This is a show that no one has ever seen before! I am amazed at the talent that comes from this Company. You are all truly blessed."
Dancing Wheels Company members expanded their choreographic interest by creating the world dances from their own expertise and dance origins which included: Kevin Marr (African), Frank Polk in collaboration with DeMarco Sleeper (Hip Hop), Emma Parker, Hope Harl and Sara Lawrence-Sucato (Jazz), and Company Rehearsal Director, Catherine Meredith (Latin and finale number). All choreographic works have been overseen and translated by Founding Artistic Director, Mary Verdi-Fletcher.
Also joining the professional Company on stage will be students from the Dancing Wheels School partnered with students from the On Your Toes Dance Studio. They will create a beat of their own with traditional shoe taps and hand held taps, making this a first for the students in translating new and inventive methods to make this dance form accessible for all abilities.
At the conclusion of the show, audience members will be invited on stage for one last jam session to show off their unique talents and ability to pick up the beat with some of the best percussionists this town has ever seen or heard.
About the Artists
Now in its 34th season, The Dancing Wheels Company is recognized as the first and foremost professional Physically Integrated Dance Company in America, uniting the talents of dancers with and without disabilities. Since our inception in 1980, the highly skilled ensemble of stand-up and sit-down (wheelchair) dancers has reached over five million people world-wide with innovative mainstage performances, school assembly programs, guest appearances and numerous outreach activities. Furthering the mission of inclusive arts programming for all, The School of Dancing Wheels opened its doors in 1990. Today, The School provides community programming and student performances reaching over 6,500 children and adults with and without disabilities annually right here in Cleveland!
VIP tickets are $100, which includes the entire evening's festivities. General admission for the performance and after party is $30 per person and $18 for students. Group rates are available upon request. For more information please visit the Dancing Wheels Company & School's website at www.dancingwheels.org or call (216) 432-0306.
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