LOW MOOR, VA (VR) — Cora Dance Alleghany is offering free workshops in conjunction with the Alleghany Highlands YMCA’s annual Halloween Spooktacular, based on the Michael Jackson classic, Thriller.
On Friday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m., Cora Dance artists Ammara Shafqat and Shannon Hummel will lead a free Master Class for experienced dancers ages 9 and up in the YMCA gym. The class will include a Hip Hop and modern dance based warm-up, improv and freestyle exercises and a combination based on the choreography from Thriller that dancers will perform the following day at the Spooktacular.
Then on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., Cora Dance artists Ammara Shafqat and Shannon Hummel will lead free workshops for all ages and abilities of movers as part of the Spooktacular event.
“No prior experience is necessary to participate,” said Michael May, health and wellness director for the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. “Just bring your silly side and groove with us.”
Later on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Cora Dance invites participants from both the Friday and Saturday workshops to join the company outside the YMCA to dance in a live performance of the Thriller-based choreography and kick off the Trunk-or-Treat portion of the festivities in the parking lot.
“While workshop participants are not required to perform, Cora Dance hopes everyone will join the fun,” May added.
Experienced dancers ages 9 and up wishing to take part in the Friday Master Class should RSVP by emailing Programs Manager Ammara Shafqat at ashafqat@coradance.org or calling Cora Dance’s office at (540) 862-5655, Ext. 306. Community members wishing to take part in the Saturday workshops should arrive at the YMCA by 4:30 p.m. No RSVP is required for the Saturday workshops but is preferred.
Cora Dance began as a professional dance company in 1998, performing the works of choreographer and educator Shannon Hummel and incorporating as a non-profit organization in 2001. From performing in parks, public housing and community spaces to the stages of Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York Live Arts and the Brooklyn Museum of Art, among many other celebrated venues, Cora Dance celebrates access to arts for all people.
In 2022, Cora Dance signed a lease on a dedicated office and shared rehearsal and performance spaces in the Historic Masonic Theatre and Amphitheatre and will soon formally launch the formation of its rural hub: Cora Dance Alleghany. From this new office, Cora will work in partnership with the Masonic, the Alleghany Highlands YMCA and the Clifton Forge School of the Arts to broaden access to professional performance and dance education programs in the Alleghany Highlands/Clifton Forge community.
Cora’s office at the Masonic officially opens to the public on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, with initial weekly hours on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12-4 p.m. that will expand later in the year.
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