LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — While most live performances have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one Lexington dance company has found a way to make it work to serve their mission of providing dance for all.
The Allegro Dance Project is half dance company, half outreach program, teaching adaptive and inclusive dance to children with a variety of special needs. When the world changed due to the coronavirus, Artistic Director Jeana Klevene said they rolled with the punches.
"We're already kind of used to adapting. It's right in our mission and right in the programming that we do," Klevene said.
They have continued their outreach work by doing classes outdoors and via Zoom, determined not to let the important work they do get derailed by the virus. However, they still need support to make that magic happen. That is where the other half of the Allegro Dance Project comes in.
"We started looking at what ways can we still do this and keep it safe not only for the performers but for the audience," Klevene said.
In time when live, in-person performances are almost unheard of, Allegro is making it work, putting on a show with their dance company to raise money for the outreach.
"The show is called '2020 Vision' even though it is not what we envisioned, " Klevene chuckled. "We're just thrilled to be able to offer much needed arts experience in this time."
They have been checking temperatures, disinfecting, social distancing, and, yes, dancing in masks.
"Just knowing all of our outreach kiddos out there, 500 plus of them that are isolated at home, it's important to still do this," Klevene said of their efforts.
Instead of indoors, they will perform at the Moondance Amphitheater, the audience and cast outside to create a safer environment. 14 of their outreach students will join them on stage.
"We want everyone to gather but safely, at a distance and in their masks. Just know that by coming you're really supporting our work to continue to help the community."
A mixture of live music, contemporary dance and circus arts, Klevene said the performance is meant to provide a respite from the grind of dealing with the pandemic, and all the money raised will go toward their outreach.
2020 Vision is set for August 15th & 16th at the Moondance Amphitheater in Lexington.
The gate opens at 7 pm and the performance will begin at 8 pm. There will also be a silent auction.
For tickets and more information visit https://www.allegrodanceproject.org/
