Hollywood Meets Broadway Winter Showcase at the Chashama Theatre presented by Dance Times Square

By Debbie Breckenridge
January 18, 2003

www.dancetimessquare.com

There is nothing like an intimate showcase of Latin & Ballroom dance to inspire wanna-be-dancer spectators to sign up for the next available lessons. At least, that seemed to be the reaction of much of the audience at the Dance Times Square "Hollywood Meets Broadway" student / teacher showcase. The audience, which consisted primarily of friends and family of the performing students loudly proclaimed their approval of the performances, despite technical difficulties with the sound system.

The dances were choreographed by the creative Dance Times Square professionals: Jose Decamps, Anya Fuchs, Tony Meredith, Carolina Orlovsky-Telona, Andre Strinadko, Andrew Winett and Andrew Zemlyanko, with music from Hollywood movie soundtracks. The talented students, partnered with their teachers, had a chance to demonstrate a broad array of partner dance styles, from the casual, playful elegance of swing to the sultry, serious rumba and tango as well as some advanced partnering moves that included twirls, dips, drags and lifts. There was plenty of drama in the Sambas, Mambos, Cha Chas and Paso Dobles.

Music from The Mambo Kings, Evita, The Mask of Zorro and other movies provided the backdrop to the first-class performances. At times it was hard to tell the teachers from the students. Clearly some of these students have been working on their routines for a long time. And the result was nothing short of delightful for the students, the teachers and the audience.

Following the student performances, the audience was treated to 3 dances by the Dance Times Square Professional cast including the impressive United States Latin Champions, Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful evening of dance.

Mark your calendars: the Dance Times Square Spring Showcase will be on May 10th.