Lindsay Renea Dance Theatre to reprise first dance concert

LINDSAY RENEA DANCE THEATRE

A NEW Celebration

IF YOU GO

What: “Celebrate Life II,” a performance by Lindsay Renea Dance Theatre

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: East High School Auditorium, 474 Bennington Ave., Youngstown

Tickets: $25 ($20 for students with ID; $12 for children 12 and under); call 330-732-5738 or go to lindsayrenea.com

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Lindsay Renea Dance Theatre will reprise its first dance concert, which took place in November, with a second that promises to be more spectacular.

Titled “Celebrate Life II,” the performance will take place Saturday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of East High School, 474 Bennington Ave.

The show will include many new pieces, each choreographed by Renea, and will close with an encore performance of “Spirit of Progression,” which is becoming Renea’s signature piece. “Spirit of Progression” begins with slow music and pulsations reminiscent of classic R&B music, and evolves into a medley of genres in movement and music.

Renea, a Youngstown native, is a Howard University graduate and a former principal dancer in the Garth Fagan Dance Company of Washington. She is a dance instructor at Youngstown State University and the founder and director of her own dance school.

She will be joined on stage at Saturday’s event by several celebrated music and dance artists.

The stage band will consist of Grammy-winning keyboard player Billy Beck, and guitarist Rick Ward, both of the Ohio Players; Alonzo Smith, bass; Dillon Kollat, drums; and David Taylor, horns.

The dance cast will include dancers from YSU and Youngstown city schools, as well as independent artists from the Valley.

The show will include tributes that will recognize three performing arts pioneers of the Mahoning Valley: Carol Baird, founder and director of the Youngstown Connection; Joseph LeRoy Thomas, painter and visual artist; and Everett McCollum, music teacher.

Proceeds will be used to furnish the newly opened Lindsay Renea Dance Theatre and to provide scholarships for its students.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with a social hour and silent auction. The black-tie evening will end with a reception featuring Caribbean cuisine provided by Flambeau’s, a red carpet section for celebrity-style photographs and music.

Tickets are $25 ($20 for students with ID; $12 for children 12 and under) and can be purchased online at lindsayrenea.com or by phone at 330-732-5738. For information or to become a sponsor, email teamlrdt@gmail.com.