Vermont Youth Dancers to Present
A Better Place, A Twist on Oliver
Jericho, VT (October 1, 2017): Vermont Youth Dancers (VYD) will present A Better Place, A Twist on Oliver at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 3 p.m., and on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 3 p.m.
Vermont Youth Dancers put a modern spin on the classic story Oliver Twist. Through dance and popular music, VYD performs the uplifting tale of Oliver and her orphan friends. As the kids struggle with street life and scoundrels, they learn who to trust and how to love, hoping to find a better place where they will truly belong. The show appeals to kids, teens, and adults with dynamic performers, current music, and classic storytelling.
After running away from the orphanage, Oliver finds herself mixed up with a gang of misfits and pickpockets. These rascals, led by Fagin and the evil Bill Sikes, lure Oliver into their “family,” promising easy money and adventure. Oliver’s chance to escape comes when she meets Nancy, who helps her search for a better life. A Better Place, A Twist on Oliver reminds audiences that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that welcoming others into our families, for a dance, or for a lifetime, can change our world.
VYD delights audiences with their unique blend of electrifying hip-hop and graceful lyrical choreography, with song choices that help “tell” the story. The lines between dance and drama are blurred, as dancers bring characters to life through dance, acting, and imaginative staging.
VYD is a community dance company of Vermont elementary, middle and high school students founded in 2006 by Director Mia Groff, and co-directed by Theresa Robinson. VYD grew from its original 5 dancers into a top-notch performance experience for local youth, ages 8 to 18, who commit to a rigorous rehearsal schedule and learn choreography and drama to animate their characters on stage. This year’s cast of 45 includes dozens of local talented dancers from several Vermont communities.
Hope Sullivan, Executive Director of Spruce Peak Arts says, “We are delighted to host these young dancers from Vermont. Our mission includes bringing the best local talent to our first-class stage to perform for Stowe residents and visitors, and for our neighboring communities. VYD is an excellent example of Vermont’s thriving arts culture.”
“VYD has always been about families,” says Groff. “Families come together wonderfully to work with their children on each production to create an outstanding show, and an inspiring feeling of community – building memories together. Eventually, just like parents, we directors need to let go and trust the kids. And they amaze us every show.”
Previous VYD performances include Cinderella Unwritten, Forever Young-A Peter Pan Tale, Breakthrough, Come With Me, Young Forever – Back to Neverland, Carry On- A Song Will Rise, Between the Raindrops – A Journey to Oz, Pride, Arabian Nights – Aladdin’s Last Wish, and Mad at Nothing. This is VYD’s first performance at Spruce Peak Arts Center.
Tickets are available online for $18-$22 (sprucepeakarts.org). Call 802-760-4634 for more information. Assigned seats, wheelchair accessible. Show runs approximately 2 hours, including a short intermission.
For more information on Vermont Youth Dancers, go to vermontyouthdancers.org
Tickets: https://www.sprucepeakarts.org/events/vt-youth-dancers/
