CoffeMill’s 35th instructional season culminates with 2 performances at Tennessee Williams Theater May 18 and May 19

For over 35 years, CoffeeMill’s instructional offerings have nurtured dancers young and old, supporting their professional and recreational development. On Friday, May 18, and Saturday, May 19, they celebrate with DanceWorks 16!, their annual spring dance concert featuring ‘Le Jardin Anime’ from the ballet ‘Le Corsaire,’ as well as several newly choreographed contemporary works at 7:30pm at Tennessee Williams Theater.

This year’s annual concert brings together the best works produced by students, faculty, and professional dancers as they collaborate on an astounding celebration of all styles of dance including ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, modern, tap, jazz, lyrical, Afro/Jazz, belly dance, and tumbling.

There will also be new performance pieces by the Young Dance Collective, CoffeMill’s newly-formed non-profit dance company comprised of dancers ages 8-17. The Collective is led by Joseph Goodman, a classically trained ballet dancer that offers the young dancers a rigorous syllabus in the Russian-based Vaganova technique.

“He’s opened up a new way of training, helping them progress faster and teaching them how to condition themselves,” says Leto.  “It’s an intense line of academy-like study and a discipline they can take with them throughout their lives.”

Though CoffeeMill Studio closed the doors to the Pohalski Street location in 2016, it branched into two Studios— “Bay the Bay,” by the Searstown Publix, and “The Annex,” in Old Town on Simonton Street, allowing them to expand their dance and fitness offerings as well as support the development of the young company.

“I’m constantly amazed by the support, talent, and growth that we’ve gone through,” says CoffeeMill founder Penny Leto, who also supports local theaters with her role as a musical theater choreographer.

Together, CoffeeMill’s teachers keep their finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the global dance community, bridging the gap between it and the island and bringing a contemporary edge mixed with the traditional to offer students of all ages, levels, and style preferences.

“All of our teachers are so dedicated and talented, says Leto. “I’m always so impressed by how in tune they are with the students, and how personally important it is to each one of them to impart their knowledge to them. There’s such a beauty to watching that blossom.

“I’m so grateful we can offer both the serious and recreational student programs that help keep the arts alive in their lives.”

Get your tickets for their Friday, May 18, and Saturday, May 19 performances at the Tennessee Williams Theater Box Office (305-295-7676) or keystix.com; tickets are $15 to $35. For more information call the CoffeeMill Dance Studio at 305-296-9982 or visit coffeemilldance.com.

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