Walltown Dancers perform at CenterFest


The students in the senior dance company move gracefully to Bollywood music in front of their non-profit tent for a large crowd at the CenterFest. At the end of the performance spectators cheered and applauded the lively group of young dancers. (Staff photo by Brittney Bizzell)

The students in the senior dance company move gracefully to Bollywood music in front of their non-profit tent for a large crowd at the CenterFest. At the end of the performance spectators cheered and applauded the lively group of young dancers. (Staff photo by Brittney Bizzell)

 

Walltown Children’s Theatre took center stage in a dance performance on Sept. 19 at the Durham Arts Council’s annual CenterFest in downtown Durham.

The dance students stood in formation anxiously waiting for the beat to drop, while a curious crowd gathered around to watch the free show. The hip-hop and Bollywood performances showcased the diversity and skill level that Walltown dancers possess.

WCT parent, Gina Simons, said the ballet dance program learns point, a classical ballet technique requiring dancers to support all body weight on the tips of fully extended feet.

“It’s a really difficult technique to learn but our kids can do it, and that sets our dance program apart from others,” Simons added.

Walltown Children’s Theatre, a non-profit organization located on 1225 Berkeley Street, opened its doors in 2000 to young performers.

WTC spokeswoman Meg Feigal said that Walltown has been called one of Durham’s best kept secrets.

“We teach children more than dance techniques, we teach children to express what can’t be expressed on a standardized test,” Feigal explained. “We also teach children to express creativity and wisdom. Performing is another way to help build character and wisdom.”

“We are not just building technique but leaders in the community,” Feigal said.

The artistic programs offered at WTC include dance, acting, vocal technique, and piano and guitar classes. Children are also able to participate in Zumba classes, which are designed especially for active children who love to dance.   After school academic tutoring and collaborative leadership opportunities are also available to students.

WCT programs operate year round, and during the summer months there is a summer camp. Children enrolled at WCT range from 3 to 17 years of age and vary in ethnicity and economic status.

The cost of classes at WCT fluctuate per session and WCT offers students and families two different price structures. Families have the option of paying a tuition starting at $210 which includes one class per week these classes run from the fall until January.

 

This plan is for families who can’t pay or commit to a year-round enrollment.

WCT also offers a year-round program. These classes start at $135 per month and students are able attend an unlimited number of classes each week.

Because WCT is committed to providing opportunities for young performers, there are scholarships available for those who cannot afford tuition fees. After families fill out a scholarship application WCT evaluates the family’s needs and sometimes students can apply to the program for a reduced rate. Although a scholarship or reduced rates are not always awarded WCT works to ensure all students passionate about performing are included in the program.

Founding Executive and Artistic Director, Cynthia Penn-Halal, created the program to inspire hope and perseverance using the arts as a tool to develop character.

According to the website WCT has partnered with city and local agencies, universities, community development organizations and churches to identify and meet the needs of families that are not able to afford instruction. “As a ‘need-blind’ organization, we have always promoted inclusion.”

Within her three years of working the WCT Feigal said many of the alumni keep in touch and many come back to teach.

“I was in the Walltown community’s summer camp. It helped me come out of my shell. Broke me out of being shy real quick. And also taught me to get involved in the community,” Walltown alumni Ashley Bagley said.

“I was also given a scholarship to dance and act at Walltown Children’s Theater which opened me up to more opportunities than I could ever imagine. We performed all over the place. We went do workshops with Alvin Ailey and even performed at The American Dance Festival.”

Bagley acted with the theater for five years and put on several productions at the Carolina Theatre and several other places. She currently performs in Lovers Lane an online drama web series starring many local NC actors.

WCT dancers are preparing for their annual Durham Nutcracker performance, expected to be held at the Durham Arts Council Dec. 11-13.

“The show is largely inspired by the Nutcracker but has a Durham flavor,” Feigal said. “About 50 kids perform ranging from 5-17.”

Feigal added that the Nutcracker performance is expected to showcase a variety of dances including classical ballet, hip-hop, Bollywood, and tap.

 

www.walltownchildrens theatre.org

 

The students are performing in front of their non-profit tent for a large crowd at the CenterFest. At the end of the performance spectators cheered and applauded the lively group of young dancers. (Staff photo by Brittney Bizzell)

The students are performing in front of their non-profit tent for a large crowd at the CenterFest. At the end of the performance spectators cheered and applauded the lively group of young dancers. (Staff photo by Brittney Bizzell)

 

 

 

 

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