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Dance in the Park, a collaboration between the city and community dance companies, invites residents to participate and pay tribute to dance on Saturday, September 12.

Now in its 11^th year, the outdoor class and performance will take place in Roanoke Park and feature local dance companies specializing in various genres. The diverse display of dance begins at 7 p.m. and is preceded by a public master class. The half hour hip-hop lesson is open to all and will be taught by Bobby Ray of B-Ray Entertainment.

Ann Shaughnessy is this year's stage manager for Dance in the Park and is in charge of booking. She said the dance class has been offered for several years and usually varies in style. Shaughnessy said it is a good chance for audience members, especially children, to be active and join in the show.

City in Motion, directed by Andrea Skowronek, will coordinate and produce the festival this year. This well known, non-profit organization established itself in the Kansas City community almost 25 years ago, and was founded on a modern dance philosophy.  The organization is known for its outstanding outreach programs.

In past years, City in Motion co-produced the event with five surrounding neighborhood park associations: Roanoke, Volker, Coleman Highlands, West Plaza and Valentine. This year, it is stepping out as the primary producer. The event is funded mainly by grants received by City in Motion in addition to financial contributions from the KCMO Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund and the Missouri Arts Council.

Four dance groups, some new and some old, will participate in the event. They are Kansas City Movement, Kansas City Youth Ballet, the Kansas City St. Andrew Highland Dance Association and Seamless Dance Theater. Shaughnessy said she contacted them because she either already knew of them or had them recommended to her.

"This will be kind of different the year," Shaugnhessy said. "There will be new groups that Dance in Park has not seen before."

Past performers include City in Motion Dance Company, City in Motion Children's Dance Theater & Apprentice Company, Kacico and Raghsidad.

Audience members can expect a wide range of dance forms and are invited to bring comfortable seating, snacks, open minds and to arrive in plenty of time to reserve the best spot.

The rain date is the following day at the same time.

City in Motion Dance Theater
Dance in the Park
Saturday, September 12
Dance class at 6:30 p.m.
Performance at 7:00 p.m.
Roanoke Park
Free admission; bring blankets, chairs, snacks and enjoy!
www.cityinmotion.org/

Photo: Mike Strong. www.kcdance.com

By Laura Vernaci

Dance Contributor

Laura Vernaci is a Kansas City native who has always been passionate about the arts, particularly dance. She began dance lessons at the young age of five and hasn't stopped since. She trained at the Kansas City Ballet where she became a serious dancer and learned about a professional company. 

She attended Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where she majored in dance. She transferred to Truman State University in Kirksville, MO in 2006 and received a degree in Journalism in May 2008.  Laura spent the 2008-2009 in Duluth, MN dancing professionally for the Minnesota Ballet. She performed in productions such as, "The Nutcracker," "Cinderella" and "Coppelia" as well as world premier ballets created on the company.

She recently moved back to Kansas City and is excited to combine her experience in writing with her passion for dance. In addition to performing and writing, Laura also enjoys teaching dance and choreographing.

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