Dance Theater Northwest's "Postcards" Feels Like a Vacation

Back in the 1930s, when George Gershwin wrote the lyrics "Summertime, and the livin' is easy," for the musical "Porgy and Bess," he couldn't have imagined how easy it would be to take an imaginary summer trip across the U.S. and abroad.

Now, Dance Theatre Northwest is doing just that.

This year's annual school recital celebrates travel, as its title "Postcards" implies. The performances take place in the auditorium of Mount Tahoma High School , 4634 South 74th St., Tacoma, with showtimes of 2:30 and 7 p.m.  on June 25.

Enjoy the flavors of New York, New Orleans, Memphis, the Midwest and our own Pacific Northwest through music and dance. But don't stop there -- the show also takes you to Austria, France, Italy, Greece and Russia.

It took months to develop this complex production, starting last fall, with choreography by Artistic Director Melanie Kirk-Stauffer, Vadne Domeika, and Ardythe Fleener. 

Rarely is so much packed into one show. Performances by students and company members showcase a variety of dances including contemporary ballet, jazz, pop and Broadway musical theater styles. Music ranges from Baroque to American Pop.

Dream of faraway places and experiences as you enjoy the talents of company members Katie Neumann and Chhay Mam, along with the Junior Dance Ensemble, on such special pieces as "Sunny Tuscany" and "MASK~The Journey of Being." 

Education Program Coordinator Elizabeth Emerson, from Tacoma's Museum of Glass, calls the production "a definitive artistic interpretation of chosen pieces" and  "an enjoyable and intelligent life extension of art forms." Some pieces were inspired by artwork exhibited at the museum.

"Dance Theatre Northwest’s performances enable our visitors to conceptualize art beyond the immediate image and media," Emerson said. 

Ticket prices are $22-$26 and can be purchased online. They are also available at Dance Theatre Northwest, 2811 Bridgeport Way W., Suite #24, University Place. For more information, call 253-778-6534.