Summer Extravaganza Dance Show tickets available
Tickets are still available for the Rhythm in Motion Summer Extravaganza Dance Show, which will feature two Special Population ballroom dancers.
Carol Davis, a USA Dance #6049 instructor, said they are a nonprofit organization that holds many programs in Cape Coral, one of which is for a Special Pops Ballroom Group with Cape Coral Parks & Rec. Eight years ago Davis and Jim Sonsalla, a USA Dance member, began working with the group, which is comprised adults who have mental and physical challenges.
Davis typically works with about 30 individuals in the Special Populations group and teaches them ballroom dancing.
Two of her students, Kristin Gleason and Katie Fumero were invited to participate in the Rhythm in Motion Summer Extravaganza Dance Show Saturday, June 23.
“It’s quite unique because I don’t think we have too many programs working with special needs people,” Davis said. “I’m tickled to death and pleased we are able to do this and get the awareness (out there that) anyone can dance. This is what we like to show.”
The dance show will take place at the Rhythm in Motion studio, 912 Del Prado S, with a social hour beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the dance performances at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
The event will also include open dancing for attendees who like to dance.
“They also have intervals where they can get up and dance and enjoy themselves and have a good time,” Davis said.
The Summer Extravaganza Dance Show is the equivalent of Dancing with the Stars at a local level.
“It’s a home grown Dancing with the Stars program. We are very delighted to be included in this on behalf of the Special Populations. The two young ladies are ecstatic,” Davis said.
Tickets are $25 a person and can be purchased by calling Rhythm in Motion at (239) 542-3500. Money raised during the event will go towards the Rhythm in Motion youth scholarship program.
Davis said the Summer Extravaganza will showcase 30 acts featuring five instructors with their students – with such dance styles as ballroom, contemporary and Broadway skits.
“It’s a fun filled evening with all kinds of happenings,” she said.
Gleason will perform an elegant waltz and Fumero will dance the tango.
“For this specific event I will be their male role and be their partner for this,” she said. “They are charming. They will charm your heart away. They have the personalities that show through the world of dance “
Davis said she has been working with the two young women for eight years. They have performed for two Cape Coral mayors and a Fort Myers mayor at “Streets Alive.”
“These two have danced downtown. At chapter events. They have gone to nursing homes. This is a little more of a professional atmosphere,” she said. “We haven’t performed in ballgowns. (This is their) first debut with ballgowns. They are tickled and their moms are too.”