(Photo by Shelby Herbert/KFSK)
Genies, fauns, griffons, the Loch Ness Monster — these are just a few of the critters that will be dancing onstage in Petersburg this weekend. Mitkof Dance Troupe’s spring show is titled, “Myths and Legends.” Audiences can expect to see a veritable zoo of mythological beings and legendary creatures in the production.
Dance teacher Kelsey Lambe says it’s a huge departure from the more structured, narrative shows the troupe has done over the years, like “The Nutcracker.” This time around, each instructor got to pick out their own music and routines. Lambe says they had a blast putting it all together.
“When we do shows like this that are not so structured around one thing, we all get to really get creative with it,” Lambe said. “We’re not using songs from a certain show, because it’s not just based off of one thing. It’s such a variety for whatever we want to use. So there’s a lot of variety in the music, a lot of really good songs, a lot of fun songs. Even the slow songs, like the more ballet ones — they’re fun.”
Gabrielle Whitacre has been dancing with the troupe since she was three years old. Now in 10th grade, she’s storming the stage with the Amazons. She says she’s having great fun playing a fierce woman-warrior. She’s dancing in a dynamic number that’s replete with swords and acrobatic stunts. Whitacre hopes the community turns out this weekend to join in that fun.
“It’s a good way to support all the kids in school because most of us have been in dance since we were three,” said Whitacre. “I just think it’s gonna be really cool. There’ll be a lot of fun. Everyone should come — everyone likes coming [out] on stage and seeing a full house.”
Mitkof Dance Troupe’s spring production, “Myths and Legends,” opens at the Wright Auditorium on Saturday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. There’s also a matinee on Sunday, April 28, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at Lee’s Clothing.
