This year, the Champaign Park District is celebrating the 47-year legacy of the Dance Arts Conservatory. Their annual showcase, taking place on May 5th and 6th, will feature dancers in an array of styles including Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Irish. Organizing the event is Haley Gillespie, who joined the Champaign Park District in July of last year. Gillespie is a dancer herself; she began dancing at the age of three, and recently earned her B.A. in Dance at Point Park University. Currently she teaches teaching modern, contemporary, and jazz at the Dance Arts Conservatory.
I recently corresponded with Gillespie to learn about Legacy: Dancing through the Decades. Here’s what she had to say:
Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Smile Politely: This year’s theme is “Dancing through the Decades.” Can you talk a little bit about the theme?
Haley Gillespie: When I joined the Dance Arts team in July, I was inspired by the history and longevity of the program. Throughout my time at the Conservatory, former Dance Arts Director Kim Burson has been a wonderful mentor. I wanted to celebrate the Legacy of the Dance Arts program that Kim built. Our program has a strong sense of community, and has been a place so many students have called home. I wanted this year’s show to express this to our audience.
SP: Do you have a favorite theme or memory from past years’ showcases?
Gillespie: This year is my first year with the Conservatory, so I have not been able to experience any of the past showcases. But from talking to families and students, I can say Alice and Wonderland and the Wayward Girl have been studio favorites.
SP: What’s the preparation and planning like for the show?
Gillespie: Preparing for a show is a lengthy process. We started shortly after I joined the team in July. I determined our theme and shared it with the team in August. In the fall we had our first parent meeting, and instructors began the song selection process. By December, we had started the rehearsal process and teachers were creating costume designs. We have spent about four months working on costumes for the show. In the final stages of the process, we started thinking about lighting design and other technical elements. We are grateful for the contributions of Lighting Designer Kyle Wurtz, Sound Operator Ranon Herman, and all of the generous volunteers who have helped in various capacities throughout the process.
SP: What are you most looking forward to with this year’s show?
Gillespie: I am most excited to celebrate our students with this show. This is the first year you will see students ages five through adult. Legacy does a wonderful job showcasing the progress of our students across the many dance disciplines we have to offer.
SP: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about the show, the Parks department, or the classes you offer?
Gillespie: Legacy: Dancing Through the Decades will be the perfect opportunity to see what the Dance Arts program is all about. We encourage you to come by and enjoy the excellence of our students, and see if our program would be the right place for you.
You can learn more about the dance program on the Champaign Parks District website, and summer program offerings are also now open.
Legacy: Dancing Through the Decades will be held this Friday and Saturday at the Harold and Jean Miner Theatre at Parkland College; tickets can be purchased at the Springer Cultural Center, Martens Center, and Leonhard Recreation Center.
Legacy: Dancing Through the Decades
Harold and Jean Miner Theatre, Parkland College
2400 W Bradley Ave
Champaign
F + Sa May 5th-6th, 7 p.m.
$14-$16