Dancers embrace ‘Change’ as sign of transformation

Edna-Jakki Miller first choreographed “Change” in the early 1980s, back in Cleveland. Fast-forward to 2009, when she watched how far her dance students had progressed, took a new look at the work and realized its time had come.

“Change” is lending its name to Experience Dance Theatre’s annual performance, which can be seen tonight and Saturday in the DanceFit studio’s new home — Studio 107 at 609 E. Market St.

That’s because, in part, the themes of the dance company’s works on the program all seem to address transformation in one form or another.

Miller, Tamisha Scott and Helen Daniels will perform in the EDT dance company pieces, which also include “Get Real,” a look at the nature of community and the meaning of reality; the hip-hop “Krunk Giddy,” which Miller says shows “a community that’s in turmoil” and focuses on the hurdles faced by an emerging young generation; “Tornado,” which explores what happens when one’s life is turned upside down; and “Spiritually Walking,” a response to life’s challenges in which “everything we do is based on the faith that we have,” Miller said.

But Miller’s particularly proud of the transformations she has seen in other dancers on the program — from her KidsDance, Hip-Hop, DanceFit Senior and Sepia Theatre classes. Audience members will see dancers ranging in age from 6 to 84 who’ve discovered dance as a language of self-expression.

When Miller looks at her dancers, “I see a journey and I see a transition,” she said. “The journey is from seeing dance as something that’s fun and they want to participate in, but it’s hard work. I call these the little hurdles.”

Over time, she said, “The transition is when they move from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I’ll try.’ ’’

Young dancers will present ballet and join the other dancers later in the finale, “Wade in the Water.” It’s a moment that gives them a chance to recognize how much they’ve changed since they first stepped onto the dance floor.

“As we explore, as we go through these experiences where we try and explore, it builds maturity and self-discipline and self-esteem” Miller said. “You see that when you apply yourself. You see persistence. You see success.”

Over time, the students realize that they’ve been building more than a repertoire of techniques.

“You have to apply yourself, and you have to believe in yourself while you do it,” Miller said. “What I want the audience seeing is that there are people out here having fun.”

Miller packs the annual performance with a variety of dance styles.

Two students will present a Lindy hop, and there will be a hip-hop class number. Sepia Theatre will present what Miller calls “a narrated type of musical. I’m calling it a rhythm school.”

Everybody gets to take part in the finale. Expect the show to last about two hours.

Miller aims to keep the ticket prices affordable, even though it’s a fundraiser for the program, to make sure more people can attend. After all, there’s no telling who might be sitting in the audience wondering if, a year from now, he or she might be sharing the stage.

details

“Change”

Experience Dance Theatre

8 tonight and 8 p.m. Saturday

DanceFit Studio in Studio 107 at 609 E. Market St.

$10

http://www.dancefitweb.com

295-4774 or242-3492