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PERFORMING GROUPS
Fort Wayne Dance Collective has several Performing Groups who are available to perform at a variety of public and private events including festivals, fundraisers and art openings.
For additional information and to book FWDC’s groups please contact:
Jill Griebel, Operations and Programs Director
Email: jill@fwdc.org
Phone: (260) 424-6574
Belly Dance Troupe
The FWDC Belly Dance Troupe brings the beauty, artistry, and cultural traditions of belly dance to audiences throughout our community. Guided by instructor Doni Palmer, who has extensive training and experience in the art form, the troupe approaches belly dance with attention to technique, history, musicality, and cultural context, with care, respect, and authenticity.
The troupe is open to students ages 18 and older who are registered for Beginning Belly Dance or Continuing Belly Dance at FWDC. Experienced dancers may also be considered based on their training and experience.
Students may participate in their regular class only or add troupe rehearsals and performances at no additional cost. Troupe members continue developing their technique, rhythm, confidence, and performance skills while learning choreography and performing throughout the year.
The troupe performs at festivals, fundraisers, community events, FWDC events, and other public and private gatherings.
Interested in joining? Register for Beginning Belly Dance or Continuing Belly Dance, then connect with Doni Palmer about participating.
For booking information, contact Jill Griebel, Operations and Programs Director.
Performing Artists
FWDC Performing Artists bring exceptional dance, artistry, and energy to stages and events throughout our community and beyond. Our performing artists represent a wide range of dance styles and disciplines, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, K-pop, tap, acro, classical Chinese dance, clogging, and more.
Our Performing Artists are available for professional bookings for festivals, fundraisers, corporate events, private gatherings, community celebrations, schools, and other special events. Performances can be tailored to fit the style, setting, audience, and needs of your event.
In addition to performances, our Performing Artists can create original choreography for your group or event or come to your school, organization, studio, or community gathering to teach a dance class or workshop. Classes can be adapted for different ages, experience levels, and dance styles.
Interested in booking FWDC Performing Artists? Contact Jill Griebel, Operations and Programs Director, to discuss your event, performance, choreography, or class needs.
Pineapple Dance Project
The Pineapple Dance Project is a performance-based youth troupe for teen dancers who love to dance and share their artistry on stage. Led by Ashley Benninghoff and Corinne Hobbs, the program gives dancers opportunities to explore challenging choreography, strengthen their stage presence, build confidence, and experience the creativity and camaraderie of performing as part of a team.
The program is open to teen dancers ages 12–18 of all abilities. Pineapple Dance Project I is an open class, while Pineapple Dance Project II is by invitation only. Dancers continue to grow their technique, musicality, artistry, and performance skills through weekly classes while learning choreography and preparing for performances throughout the year.
The youth troupe performs at FWDC events and annual productions, as well as festivals, fundraisers, school events, community gatherings, and other performance opportunities. These experiences give dancers meaningful opportunities to share their artistry with a variety of audiences while gaining experience and confidence as young performers.
Interested in joining? Register for Pineapple Dance Project I or connect with FWDC about opportunities to participate in Pineapple Dance Project II.
For performance inquiries and information about having Pineapple Dance Project participate in your event, contact Jill Griebel, Operations and Programs Director.
Fort Wayne Taiko
Fort Wayne Taiko is an FWDC performance troupe that brings the powerful sound, movement, and traditions of Japanese taiko drumming to audiences throughout our community. Guided by instructor Sara Sherman, the troupe explores taiko through rhythm, technique, movement, and ensemble performance while honoring the history and cultural traditions of the art form.
Taiko Troupe I
Taiko Troupe I gives students an opportunity to develop their taiko skills while beginning to explore ensemble performance. The troupe is open to students 18 and older who are registered for Beginning Taiko at FWDC.
Students may participate in Beginning Taiko only or add Taiko Troupe I rehearsals and performances at no additional cost. Through troupe rehearsals, students continue developing their drumming technique, rhythmic awareness, confidence, and performance skills while learning repertoire and gaining experience performing as an ensemble.
Taiko Troupe I members may perform at FWDC events, community events, festivals, fundraisers, and other public and private gatherings throughout the year.
Taiko Troupe II
Taiko Troupe II is the next level of the Fort Wayne Taiko program and builds on the skills, repertoire, and performance experience developed in Taiko Troupe I. Participation in Taiko Troupe II is by progression from Taiko Troupe I and is intended for students who have demonstrated the experience and skills needed for the next level of ensemble performance.
Members of Taiko Troupe II continue developing advanced technique, rhythmic awareness, movement, musicality, and ensemble skills while learning additional repertoire and representing Fort Wayne Taiko at performances throughout the community.
Interested in joining?
Students interested in Fort Wayne Taiko begin by registering for Beginning Taiko and participating in Taiko Troupe I. Students interested in continuing to Taiko Troupe II can connect with Sara Sherman about progression opportunities.
For booking information, contact Jill Griebel, Operations and Programs Director.
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