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Public Relations and Marketing | Published Nov 14, 2019
The College of Lake County Prairie Spirits Dance Troupe Winter Dance Concert hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 in the Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake.
This annual showcase of contemporary dance includes original works choreographed by CLC faculty and guest artists, performed by CLC’s talented dance company (pictured). Choreographers create original choreography set to their favorite musical theatre scores. Songs range from “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by the Tokens to “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” the “Mary Poppins” tune by Robert B. Sherman and Richard Sherman.
The choreographers include: Valerie Alpert, artistic director and co-chair of the CLC Dance department; Terry Crews, co-chair of the CLC Dance department; Kimberly Davis, senior director of education at the Chicago-based Old Town School of 
Folk Music; and Lamaiya Lancaster, CLC dance instructor. The list also includes Amanda Ramirez as well as Matthew Kinney, two Chicago-based dance performers/choreographers.
“I invited the choreographers presenting works to choose a song from a musical, but to interpret the music in their own way and within their own movement aesthetic to create original choreography,” said Alpert. “Therefore, while the songs may be recognizable within the context of a popular musical, they will certainly be presented tonight in a new and creative way.”
In addition to performing, some of the 30 members who make up the CLC’s Prairie Spirits Dance Troupe will be sharing their favorite holiday traditions.
Tickets: Regular $12; CLC Staff/CLC Student/Senior/JLC Subscriber $10; Children under age 12 $5. Children’s tickets must be purchased with adult ticket. Call the Box Office at (847) 543-2300 or visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, noon to 6 p.m. and one hour before performances.
To learn more about CLC’s dance program and watch a video, visit www.clcillinois.edu/programs/dnc or contact Alpert at valpert@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2432. Auditions for CLC’s annual Fear No Art Festival on April 24-25, 2020 will be held Jan. 30 in Room P103, Grayslake Campus (5:30 p.m. for visual artists, 6 p.m. for musicians/poets and 7 p.m. for dancers).
About College of Lake County:
College of Lake County is an innovative community college in Lake County, Ill. that transforms lives with its variety of accessible, quality education options. Offered at three campuses in Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Waukegan or online, College of Lake County provides affordable options in a state-of-the-art setting close to home. A large student network, with small class sizes, provides advantages to our students on a career-related program or a path toward a transfer degree. We’re proud to serve the diverse needs of our community and student body. Connect to your future today at College of Lake County. For more information, visit www.clcillinois.edu.