Joyce Rudolph, Enjoy!
GLENDALE -- Dance programs at The Alex Theatre and throughout the
community are getting a boost from members of a growing support group --
Dance Partners at The Alex.
It's a chance for lovers of dance to get together socially and support
dance events at The Alex, says co-chairwoman Kathleen Elowitt.
Starting at a minimum donation of $100, a member receives a 15%
discount on all Alex dance performances, invitations to rehearsals and a
chance to meet the professionals at post-receptions.
Memberships help subsidize costs of bringing dance productions to The
Alex, Elowitt said. Dance programs also receive funding from the S. Mark
Taper Foundation.
Some of the events planned for members this year are to invite them to
high school dance productions and have them drive guest dance performers
to local schools where they will give talks and demonstrations.
Another part of the program, Elowitt said, is forming partnerships
with Glendale restaurants -- Dinner Partners. Cinnabar and Sol et Soleil
on Brand Boulevard have been very receptive to the program, she said.
Restaurants are asked to supply food for post-receptions in the
Terrace Lounge on the second floor of The Alex.
"We encourage our members to eat at those restaurants before the
concert," she said.
This not only builds restaurant business in the community, but gives
members a chance to meet prior to the event to talk about the show. The
restaurants set aside an area so that members can sit together, she said.
Helping Elowitt plan events for Dance Partners is co-chairman Dal
Swain of Pasadena.
Members are eagerly anticipating this weekend's performance of the
internationally renowned Paul Taylor Dance Company.
"This is the company's West Coast Home, so we are always excited when
they come to town," she said.
The size and ambiance of The Alex Theatre make it easy to see the
stage, Elowitt said.
"The audience enjoys the connection with the dancers, and the dancers
feel the audience's reaction," she said.
Celebrating its first year, Dance Partners are still beaming over the
visit of Taylor 2, the teaching group of the dance company.
"Our Dance Partner volunteers drove the dancers to all levels of
schools in Glendale,' Elowitt said. 'It was fun to see the kids
learning."
At the post- performance reception, members were able to speak to the
performers and choreographers.
Elowitt, who lives in Hidden Hills, is one of the few Alex Theatre
board members who doesn't live in Glendale.
A former teacher of R.D. White Elementary School in Glendale, she met
Alex Executive Director Martin Kagan at the Music Center through her
volunteer work. Kagan worked at the center before before coming to
Glendale. He Invited her to join The Alex board.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Paul Taylor Dance Company.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
WHERE: The Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. TICKETS: $15
to $43.
PHONE: (800) 233-3123.
DANCE PARTNERS: To join, call Jerry Kavasnicka at The Alex Theatre,
243-7700 or fill out a membership form on your next visit to The Alex.
DINNER PARTNERS: Cinnabar, 933 S. Brand Blvd., Sol et Soleil, 110 S.
Brand Blvd., and Canyon Cafe, 146 S. Brand Blvd. Glendale.
DANCE SEASON FINALE: WHO: Merce Cunningham Dance Company. WHEN: 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, April 28 and 29. WHERE: The Alex Theatre.
