July 1, 2014 — The Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble celebrated their rich history with a 25th Anniversary Concert presented on June 13th and 14th at Barrington High School’s Richard C. Johnson Auditorium. Over 600 attendees enjoyed the Concert which featured past BYDE favorites along with several premieres, including founder and artistic director Mary Brennan’s L’Art des Enfants (The Art of Children).
The concert also featured works created by award winning choreographers such as, Eddy Ocampo from LEVELDance and Winifred Haun of Winifred Haun & Dancers, along with the company's dedicated artistic staff. Attendees learned about the rich history of the company, through a series of performances featuring a compelling and challenging repertoire – from classical favorites to contemporary works.
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BYDE staff and alumni dancers shared memories, while celebrating this outstanding dance company which has enriched the Barrington community for 25 years. The celebration included a special video presentation which chronicled the company’s history and honored the staff and dancers who have worked with BYDE since its beginning in 1989. Many of BYDE’s original staff and company members are still involved in the company today. Another part of the anniversary celebration was an alumni piece, “Salute to Fosse” which featured several BYDE alumni, including choreography and performance by Wade Schaaf, founder and director of Chicago Repertory Ballet, who got his start in dance with BYDE.
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"Long time artistic and production associates combined with dedicated funders, dancers and volunteers have melded with our executive, artistic and advisory boards with consistent zeal for the past twenty-five years," says Mary Brennan, Founder and Artistic Director of BYDE. "It is the miracle of artistic pursuit which has made Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble a standard bearer for the arts in our community. I can't think everyone enough for their understanding and dedication. From the young children to the seasoned professionals this organization has become a family which passes its traditions on and on."
The Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble is a not for profit 501(c) (3) which promotes artistic integrity, involvement, and awareness through exceptional dance training and performance in the Chicagoland area. Founded in 1989 by Artistic Director Mary Brennan, this grassroots organization has become a local standard bearer for the arts and one of Barrington's most prominent dance Ensembles.
Over the years, BYDE have established partnerships with arts and educational organizations and have received the generous support of many including, The Roberts Family Foundation, The Benson Foundation, The Sanfilippo Family Foundation, The Wamberg Family Charitable Fund, Rose Packing Company, Barrington Area Community Foundation, Barrington Junior Women’s Club, The Duchossois Family Foundation, The Target Corporation, Barrington Children’s Charities, The DEMAR Foundation, and The Illinois Arts Council to name a few.
About BYDE & BDA
Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble (BYDE) is a 501©3 non-profit charitable arts organization that promotes artistic integrity, involvement, and awareness through exceptional dance training and performance in the Chicagoland area. For more information, please visit www.BYDE.org or call 847.382.6333. Follow us on Facebook.
Barrington Dance Academy (BDA), founded in 1984 by Mary Brennan, is the area’s finest school of dance. From fostering the creative instincts of the pre school child to providing top quality dance instruction for our older students, BDA has earned a reputation as the very best. Noted for our world class instructors, the Academy provides a creative and supportive educational setting. For more information, visit www.barringtondanceacademy.com or call 847-382-6333. Follow us on Facebook.
Photos: Kelly Stachura Photography
