Calling All Dancers: Brighton Dance Festival Registration Now Open

Registration for the 2nd Annual Brighton Dance Festival, hosted by Brighton’s own Michigan Dance Project, is now open to dance students statewide ages 9 and up.  The festival, running June 20–25, offers three training programs: a youth program for ages 9–11, a teen program for ages 12–15, and a professional program for ages 16 and older. 

The festival culminates in a benefit performance at the on June 25 at 5 p.m. Tuition ranges from $20 for drop-in classes, to $300 for full-time registration.  Registration forms are available online at www.michigandanceproject.org.

The festival is centered on a week of intense dance technique training, with classes running 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily, plus repertory rehearsals and the final showcase performance. 

Guest speaker Dr. Steven Karageanes, director of the Detroit Medical Center Performing Arts Program will offer advice on injury prevention, rehabilitation and nutrition. Therapist Ashley Watterson of in Brighton will offer free body work to students during the week.

“I just love knowing that not only are we offering a fantastic week of dance to local kids and professionals, but we’re also supporting the arts right here in our own community,” festival director Kathy King said.

All classes are held at the sponsoring studio , while the Saturday performance is located at the BCPA. 

Faculty, guest artists and students will choreograph new works to perform. Tickets to the show are $10 each, available at www.brownpapertickets.com. All ticket sales, plus a portion of tuition proceeds and merchandise sales will be donated directly to the BCPA. Last year the festival donated $3,500 to the theater. The goal this year is to donate $7,000.

Faculty for this summer’s festival include director Kathy King of Michigan Dance Project, Michelle Marzejon and Cyndi Buczek of Michelle’s Academy of Dance, Liz Schmidt of Spotlight Dance Works in Chesterfield, Alicia Cutaia of Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, based in Southfield, Erik Abbott-Main of Ohio State University, Megan Drabant of Wayne State University, and Olivia Arnett of Eastern Michigan University.

For more info about Brighton Dance Festival and the hosting company visit www.michigandanceproject.org or email michigandanceproject@yahoo.com.

This press release was submitted by Kathy King, Director of the Michigan Dance Project. Submit your own press release or news tip by e-mailing wensdy@patch.com.