VAA Dancers present Romeo and Juliet

More than 60 dancers, ages 3 to adult, from Vashon Allied Arts Center for Dance stages Romeo and Juliet & Original Works Saturday, April 27, 1 and 7 pm, and Sunday, April 28, 1 and 5 pm, at VHS Theater.
 
According to Artistic Director Christine Juarez, the company will perform an edited version and showcases senior dancer Katherine Misel as Juliet, ‘a wonderful dramatic dancer.’ Cornish guest danseur, Sam Opsel will dance as Romeo. Meg Sayre brings the role of Nursemaid to life and danseur Quinn McTighe plays Romeo’s hot-tempered rival Tybalt.
 
Adult dancers include Kirsten Eastman as Lady Capulet and Barbara Gustafson as the village Flower Peddler. Ballet 2 dancers (age 8) join in as flower and fruit sellers.
 
Original Works highlights VAA Center for Dance modern and jazz programs. Students submit original choreography, pieces are juried and recipients polish original work for stage debut. Juarez says. "I love seeing the individual voices come through their choreography. They often choose duets, where they also learn a lot about collaboration."
 
Juarez lauds her loyal production crew including costumer Kate Guinee and set painter Laura Whitmore. "Our performance space is always challenging. We will use the entire theater space with surprises for the audience." Holly Goddard transforms the lobby space into an Italian themed mercato with a bounty of thoughtful, dancer-made Mother’s Day gifts options and delectable treats.
 
Tickets, $10/$13, are available at VashonAlliedArts.org, Heron’s Nest and VAA, 463.5131.