An exciting and uplifting evening for scholarship winners. They cheered each other on as the awards were being given out knowing this was the beginning of their future in dance, an opportunity that would not exist without their scholarships. Recipients were given a certificate, a handbook, a journal to document their experience, and a PSDP backpack.
Heaven Rodriguez, the Project’s first student ambassador, opened the evening with a very warm and energetic welcome, rallying the students to cheer ever louder in appreciation for the event, while sharing that her experience helped her become a stronger individual. She looks forward to spreading the word about PSDP scholarships.
Jeremy Hobbs, President and Executive Director of Western Wind Foundation, touchingly encouraged the students to take as much from experience as they could, reinforcing the fact that the community is behind them and rooting for their success.
Community Support
Western Wind Foundation, joined and supported by local donors, has provided scholarships for local dance students. The 24 hours of intensive dance training will culminate with an opportunity for students to perform in a professional production, in a theater of stature, at the Community’s Finest Showcase, Friday, March 6, 2020 at the Annenberg Theater. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at PSDanceProject.org
The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District has announced that it will provide funds for bus transportation for Desert Hot Springs High School scholarship students participating in the program.
FIND Food Bank is providing lunch for all scholarship students each day of the 24 hours of intensive dance training and education Saturday/Sunday, February 8/9, 22/23, 29/March 1 2020 – 100 meals each weekend for three weekends.
The City of Palm Springs is enthusiastically supporting Palm Springs Dance Project by facilitating all physical details for our first-time, free, flash-mob Dancin’ in the Streets pop-up event at Village Fest. The pop-up event will happen on Thursday, March 5, 2020, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is collaborating with PSDP! On Sunday, March 1, at 5 PM, the Camelot Theater will host Palm Springs Dance Project’s #BoysDanceToo. The evening starts with the film “BILLY ELLIOT, directed by Stephen Daldry, and will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local storied dancers and choreographers Howard Sayette, Jose De la Cuesta, and Doug Graham.
THE MAIN EVENT, an evening of extraordinary dance, supports Palm Springs Dance Project’s Dance Education Program
One Night Only – Saturday, March 7, 7:30 pm and the Annenberg Theater, Palm Springs Art Museum
Three World-class Dance Companies Just Announced
BrockusRED
Founded in 1994 by Artistic Director Deborah Brockus, this contemporary jazz company has a sharp edge that reflects today’s fast paced, diverse society. They have toured the US and internationally. Deborah has been touted by the Los Angeles Times as “‘the single most important person in Southland dance” for her involvement in establishing the LA Dance Scene. The company is known for its big energy, innovative and accessible work that leaves audiences inspired and happy.
Luminario Ballet
Founded in 2008 by Artistic Director Judith FLEX Helle, this is a contemporary neo-classical ballet company who will be presenting for the first time in the Annenberg Theater, a modern dance repertory with aerial dance. Recent recipient of a NEA grant to tour India, they have been noted as being “vivid, inspiring, luminous”.
Lula Washington Dance Theate
Lula Washington Dance Theatre has built an international reputation for the earthiness, vitality, energy, and humanism of its extensive repertory, bringing immense power to every dance. Founded in 1980 by Lula and Erwin Washington in the inner city area of South Los Angeles, the company has risen to become one of the most admired African-American contemporary dance companies in the West.
This is an opportunity to help grow a thriving dance community in the Coachella Valley while enjoying an evening of extraordinary dance that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat in astonishment. For tickets go to PSDanceProject.org