The Strand Theater is hosting the production of “Dance His High Praise VII” on April 26 at 7 p.m., as a fundraiser for the Helen Horton Scholarship. The theme is “The Impossible Dream,” and features the Orchesis Dance Company from Grambling State University, under the direction of Diane Maroney-Grigsby.
Also included in the recital in Shreveport are performances by the Louisiana Dance Theater under the direction of Carol Anglin, the Christian Dance Center under the direction of Terry Jackson and Sumthin Serious Hip Hop under the direction of Daunte Borner.
“Sumthin Serious shows that there are different genres of dance that will illustrate praise to spiritual music,” according to Vincent Williams, Extensions of Excellence Company artistic director.
This is the seventh year for the production, but it is unique in its concept. “Each year has a theme, so there is different choreography and it is always new and fresh,” said Roshanda Spears, Extensions of Excellence resident choreographer.
The production originated at Grambling State University by Orchesis choreographer Diane Maroney-Grigsby but seven years ago, it was brought to the Strand Theater under the helm of Vincent Williams. “My mother, Helen Horton, went to Grambling, and the scholarship is in her honor. We will award $2,000 to a deserving high school senior who wants to study dance at Grambling under Maroney-Grigsby,” said Williams.
Orchesis will continue its performance schedule by traveling with Maroney-Grigsby to New York City next week for the Black College Dance Exchange.
Tickets are $20, and can be purchased by calling the Strand Theater Box Office at 226-8555.
Another production
The Cabaret Dinner Theatre is presenting the family-friendly comedy “Dearly Beloved” on April 24-26 at the MediaStar Entertainment venue in Shreveport.
MediaStar Entertainment is located at 1258 Dalzell, and tickets are $30 for dinner and the show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner, by Derrick Catering, and the curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. for the family-friendly production. For tickets, call 560-5662, or go to www.cabaretdinnertheatre.com. Reservations are required because of limited seating.