LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — This weekend, the Allegro Dance Project is presenting their summer performance. All proceeds will go directly to their outreach program which works with children with special needs.
"It's a lot of months of preparation we've been thinking about this show since January," said dancer Evemarie Bessenbach.
"You're going to see a mix of contemporary dance, live original music by our seven piece band, and an exciting mix of aerial and circus arts," said Artistic Director Jeana Klevene with the Allegro Dance Project.
The importance of the show goes far beyond the type of performance you'll see, but the messages behind it.
"We have a piece about the opioid crisis, we have a piece about diversity and immigration," said Klevene.
Diversity and Inclusion is a topic close to Klevene's heart. In addition to the professional dance company, Allegro also serves as an outreach program teaching dance to children with special needs, many of whom are partnered with dancers in the company.
"It's really lovely to watch because those friendships are incredible," she said.
Twenty-five of the outreach dancers will take the stage side-by-side with the professional dancers. Klevene calls it a 'colorful explosion of inclusion.' It is all done with the hope that each person in the audience leaves with something new in their heart.
"The joy they bring is magical and to be able to share that experience with them, and bring them into our world, not as an observer but as a participant, it's indescribable," said Bessenbach.
The performances are at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 12, and 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, at Lyric Theater. For tickets, call (859) 280-2218 or click here.
