Local Dance Students Featured in THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, Opens 5/6

ODC/Dance San Francisco's performance of The Velveteen Rabbit at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. presents a reimagined telling of Margery Williams' classic children story through music and modern dance featuring talent with close ties to the Fox Cities. Professional dancer and Lawrence University graduate Yayoi Kambara performs as a Real Rabbit and 13 local dance students from Valley Academy for the Arts, Inc. perform as the Children's Chorus.

Kambara has been a professional dancer for more than a decade, after earning a B.A. in East Asian studies from Lawrence University and a B.F.A. in dance performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She currently performs with ODC/Dance San Francisco, touring with her young daughter Hanae.

Fourteen local dance students from Oshkosh, Neenah and Appleton are featured in the Center's performance of The Velveteen Rabbit. The students, who study at the Valley Academy for the Arts, Inc under the artistic direction of Anne Marie Brunner-Abderholden, will rehearse with the company prior to the performance. The young performers include: Ana Batley, Jessica Bittner, Kaylie Bittner, Piper Brandt, Olivia Ehlsbecker, Imogene Gillard, Michayla Kading, Emeline Liske Gabi Muller, Rachel Ratcliff, Ava Staehler, Maya Staehler, Diani Tessier and Nora Vanesky. Valley Academy for the Arts, Inc specializes in teaching ballet, jazz, tap and Irish dance, drama, music and language arts.

Fox Cities P.A.C. President Susan Stockton believes The Velveteen Rabbit is a title that audiences in the Fox Cities can appreciate, no matter their age. "ODC/Dance San Francisco's production of The Velveteen Rabbit is simply enchanting. It's imaginative, fanciful and larger than life in so many ways." Stockton is also pleased to welcome dancers with local ties to the Center's stage. "It's wonderful to welcome a Lawrence graduate back to the community. It's especially exciting because she'll be performing with local dance students in such an artistically powerful performance, completing that circle of artistic education in the Fox Cities."

One of America's most exciting and acclaimed contemporary dance companies, ODC/Dance San Francisco's The Velveteen Rabbit shares the tale of a boy and a stuffed rabbit he receives for Christmas. As the story progresses, the well-worn rabbit becomes real through music, dance and a powerful narrative that fancifully celebrates the enduring power of love.

Tickets for ODC/Dance San Francisco's The Velveteen Rabbit are available now and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or the Center's ticket office at (920) 730-3760. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center's ticket office or online at foxcitiespac.com. Groups of 15 or more can save 20 percent by calling (920) 730-3786. Additional fees may apply.

Ticket holders for ODC/Dance San Franciso's The Velveteen Rabbit are also invited to attend a FREE Appleton Papers Inc. Community Engagement Activity in the Kimberly-Clark Theater before the performance. Families with children can take part in family-focused activities related to the story of The Velveteen Rabbit and make their own bunny ears. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.

ODC/Dance San Francisco's The Velveteen Rabbit is locally supported by Bergstrom Automotive and Gannett Foundation/The Post-Crescent. The Boldt Arts Alive! Series is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

ABOUT THE FOX CITIES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, located in downtown Appleton, provides a premier venue for live performing arts. The Center proudly serves as a gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities while enhancing a greater understanding and appreciation of the live performance arts. For more information on upcoming events, education programs and community involvement go to foxcitiespac.com. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Where the Arts Come Alive!

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