BY KAREN BOSSICK

PHOTO BY JENNI FRANKLIN

Footlight Dance Company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is now streaming virtually on Vimeo.

The free performance titled “Paths to New Connections” was filmed Jan. 30 at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater at Hailey’s Community Campus.

“Our dancers are very excited to share their thoughts and reactions to the COVID pandemic,” said  Footlight Dance Company Director Hilarie Neely. “We hope their performances will help students and the community to discuss their feelings about this past year.”

The performance encompasses ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop and tap dance.

“Our performances have been presented live to all Blaine County Schools for the past 35 years and this year is no exception except we have gone to a virtual format,” said Neely. “We feel it is important to have the dancers express themselves and grow as artists in this new environment of social distancing. Each dance will be introduced by the choreographer, allowing the audience first access to their creative process during this unusual time in our history.”

The performance features 15 dancers who are home schooled or attend Wood River High School or Community School. Seniors Britta Heaphy, Sydney Herold and Daria Brown are participating in their final year of performances.

Many of the dancers train as athletes taking five to six technique classes each week, including Pilates conditioning. They also rehearse every weekend for six weeks prior to the performances, which brings their performance level to pre-professional. 

“As dance artists we bring a responsibility for making the world a more livable and beautiful place by sharing our emotions thru the use of our body,” said Neely. “Our hearts are brought directly to our audiences with our passion for life and the beauty of moving bodies completely visible on the stage.”

The video is 25 minutes long. Access it at https://vimeo.com/509231355