On Wednesday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m., The CoffeeMill’s pre-professional ‘Young Dance Collective’ and visiting guest artist Mary Kay Cottrill will take the stage at Tennessee Williams Theater.
The dancers will perform excerpts from the ballet “Paquita” and original works from their repertoire under the direction of Joseph Goodman, including choreography created by company member Tori Gregg performed to live piano composed by student musician Kryzstof Madro.
The Young Dance Collective – Vivian Carper, Katiana Casler, Ryan Fossum, Tori Gregg, Madison Harding, Reese Kight, Isabella Nodal, Alannah Shanle, Nela Sulak, Ella Toppino and Noelle Rivas – is made up of dedicated students ages 8-18. They train daily, attending six days of class during the week and rehearsing during their “free” time under Goodman, CoffeeMill Dance Studio teacher and company director, and former professional dancer with Greensboro Ballet, Fort Worth Dallas Ballet (now known as Texas Ballet Theatre), and Paradise Ballet.
Visiting guest artist and former Key West dancer and CoffeeMill Dance Studio teacher Mary Kay Cottrill has performed with the Pennsylvania-Milwaukee Ballet, Ballet West, Tau Dance Theatre, Hawaii State Ballet, Corpus Christi Ballet, Ballet Florida, Ganesha, The Long Beach Ballet Ambassador Tour to China, Key West Contemporary Dance, Key West Burlesque, Paradise Ballet Theatre and Key West Dance Collective.
In addition to performing at the Tennessee Williams Theatre and community venues that include Fantasy Fest’s Coronation and Children’s Day, street fairs, and nursing homes, The Young Dance Collective travels to dance workshops and competitions and has received gold standard awards and scholarships. The young dancers are working to establish their non-profit status, which will help support their company’s costs and growth with potential grants, and tax-deductible donations.
Concert proceeds will support the company’s efforts in reaching their non-profit status. Tickets at $20, $25 and $30 are on sale at keystix.com. More information is available from Penny Leto at 305-296-9982 or online at coffeemilldance.com.
