Center Stage Performing Arts Studio to Present DANCING UNDER THE STARS, 8/23-24

Center Stage Performing Arts Studios choreographer Kim Delgrosso likes to say when it comes to dance, Utah is the central meeting spot between Los Angeles and New York. While her claims may seem a bit lofty at first glance, she has plenty of reasons for those bragging rights.

Her award-winning dancers have been featured in film, television and stages all over the world. They have picked up international awards, both individually and as a group, and several of them, including Derek and Julianne Hough-have soared to the top of the entertainment world. Her dancers' credits include ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance" and the "High School Musical" films, and most recently, Center Stage Performing Arts Studio was named 2012 National Studio of the Year.

For eight consecutive years, Delgrosso has brought some of the dance world's most celebrated performers to headline at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre for Dancing Under The Stars. Many of Utah's top dance studios will also bring their dancers to perform. She says, "It's a stunning, energetic show filled with jazz, hip hop, break dancing, contemporary, tango, salsa, merengue, cha cha, quickstep, waltz, lindy, hop and jive."

The 2013 show, which is scheduled Aug. 23 and 24 under the stars at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, will begin with a pre-show at7:30 p.m. showcasing some of Utah's top dance studios. At 8:00pm the mainstage show begins, and the featured performance group will be Shaping Sound, a group including Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance, and Kyle Robinson from Oxygen's "All the Right Moves," along with Jaimie Goodwin, Kayla Kalbfleisch, Channing Cooke, and Chelsea Thedinga. Also featured will be Utah Valley's own Jenna Johnson, who is still in the running in the current season of FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance." Other performers include the national award-winning BYU Cougarettes; UVU Ballroom Dance Company, who won four world titles at the British Open Championshiops; Jean's Golden Girls, the entertaining tap dancers made up of ladies 50 and older; and Ryan and Ashleigh Di Lello from ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" and Broadway's "Burn the Floor." Also featured will be vocalists and instrumentalists to complement the night of choreographic excellence.

General admission tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for children (age 3-11), seniors (65+) and students (w/ID). Patrons may bring a blanket or rent a first-come, first-serve chair for $1.00. Reserved sections range from $16 to $20 for adults and $14 to $18 for children, seniors and students. Tickets are available at www.scera.org, by calling 801-225-ARTS, or at the main office at the SCERA Center, open 10am-6pm weekdays and Saturdays from 12Noon-6pm.

"Shaping Sound has just toured 13 cities across the country, and added an extra night in New York," Delgrosso says. "They are having incredible success, and we are thrilled to have them be part of 'Dancing Under The Stars.' This is a show for anyone who loves dance and loves an abundance of talent gathered in one place."

Part of Delgrosso's success with her dancers comes from her philosophy of what it takes to be a master dancer. As she explains in her frequent lectures on both coasts, "I have always had wonderful dancers with lots of talent," Delgrosso says. "People repeatedly asked me to explain the success of my Utah dancers, and I told them if you have a strong school to support you, that goes a long way. I bring in the best choreographers and dancers I can find. The second factor is work. I insist on a strong work ethic. I already ready know they are amazing dancers. What I want to hear from those who use them is how professional they are."

In conjunction with the dance event is a DanceFest workshop and master class with Shaping Sound on Aug. 24 from 9 to 1 p.m. at Center Stage Performing Arts Studio, 575 N. 1200 W., Orem. According to Delgrosso, "This is an opportunity for local dancers to learn and be inspired by internationally recognized dancers and choreographers who have made their mark professionally." Dancers may purchase a package that includes two 90-minutes workshops by members of Shaping Sound, a dancers-only meet and greet and photo opportunity and a ticket to Dancing Under the Stars.

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