Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Presents ‘Shall We Dance’ on April 30

Billed as “an exciting look at dance throughout the ages,” “Shall We Dance” serves as the season closer concert for the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) on Saturday, April 30. The Season Four finale performance showcases “Light Classics & Pops featuring great dance styles over the generations, with a little help from some live dancers (from Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta).”

According to Sue Haggerty, executive director of the JCSO, “Shall We Dance” is a historical perspective of the music of dance. She says, “The performance will start with the early days with old traditional dances paired with light classical music that people will recognize. The show will build momentum over time, with the first half showing the progression of music through the ages.” 

Specifically, the program kicks off with a menuetto by Mozart, then waltz selections from Johann & Josef Strauss including the “Du & Du Waltz” from Die Fledermaus, along with a quadrille, polka and the “Polanaise” by Tchaikovsky.

“By the second half of the show, the dances and music will be ones people are even more familiar with—more modern pieces,” Haggerty says. “And here the dancers will really crank things up,” she continues. 

The second half of the musical journey includes the Tango, Fox Trot, Swing and American Waltz, with selections such as “Blue Tango” by Leroy Anderson, “Night & Day” by Cole Porter, “It Don't Mean A Thing” by Duke Ellington, and the “Carousel Waltz” by Richards Rodgers. Then, according to Haggerty, the final suite will be selections from The King & I with “Shall We Dance” as the last song of the night. 

Haggerty says that the last show of the season is always light classical and popular music—music that is accessible and not threatening—and, therefore, “Shall We Dance” is a perfect fit for the entire family, not just the classical music aficionado. 

The JCSO is a part-time orchestra, and the season consists of four performances by paid, professional, contract musicians who do double-duty (or more) with other renowned orchestras across the Southeast.

JCSO musicians are among the finest orchestral instrumentalists in America with an average of 15 years experience in professional orchestras. Most of the members have graduate level degrees or artist diplomas in performing arts from the leading institutions of higher learning in the United States and many have received additional training in Berlin, London, Rome, Salzburg, Vienna and other leading European music centers.

The members of the JCSO are committed to providing its audiences with the highest caliber of symphonic music possible.

The “Shall We Dance” concert is Saturday, April 30, at 8 p.m., in the Theater at , 5575 State Bridge Road. Tickets are $28 adults; $22 seniors; $15 students (with ID); and discounts for groups of 10 or more.

To purchase tickets, visit www.johnscreeksymphony.org. For more information, call 678-748-5802 or email info@johnscreeksymphony.org.  This concert season is sponsored by , Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth and the Fulton County Arts Council.