Fete de Danse 2004 - a summer dance concert to benefit Rouses Point Historical Society

North Countryman, July 24, 2004By Ann HawksbyThanks to the work of Jason Andrew of Norte Maar, a grass-roots cultural promotion organization, the Rouses Point Historical Society will present a summer dance festival.Proceeds from the dance concert will benefit the Historical Society and their quest to refurbish the old D&H Railroad Station, as well as preserve and display the area's rich heritage.The Village of Rouses Point purchased the old D&H Railroad Station, and have been open to the Historical Society's ideas and intent to revamp the building, inside and out. The plans include a display of railroad artifacts, photographs, books, papers, and clothing."We are very excite about this event," said Mary Racicot of the Historical Society,"we are hoping for a very successful evening."She said the society was anxious the railroad project a reality.Rouses Point Fete de Danse 2004 will feature dances from London, Ireland, and all over the U.S. starting with Gleich Dances Contemporary Ballet.Owner, choreographer, and teacher, Julia K. Gleich, of London, is happy to have the opportunity to share her dances with the people of the Northern Tier, according to Andrew of Norte Maar.Gleich, whose choreographic residencies have taken her to the Burklyn Ballet Theatre in Vermont, University of Northern Colorado, Island Moving Company, RI, University of California, and Dancer's Workshop in Wyoming, is currently a lecturer at LABAN Centre for Contemporary Dance in London.Also appearing at Fete de Danse 2004, are the Burklyn Ballet Theatre of Johnson, Vt. -- a summer workshop attended by about 180 dancers from all over the world, the North Country Ballet ensemble of Plattsburgh under the direction of Debbie Guibord, and Ryan's Irish dance Troupe, let by Kathy Ryan of Chazy.Dancers from the Burklyn Ballet Theatre, which was founded in 1976, have performed in Scotland, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, under the direction of the talented Joanne Whitehill.The North Country Ballet Ensemble, which was founded in 1986, consists of a collaboration of the area's best dancers led by a wonderful team of teachers and enthusiasts.Ryan's Irish Dance Troupe is well known in the North Country for their exciting performances, including River Dance and traditional Irish dances."Norte Maar aspires to be a premiere resource connecting musicians, dancers, and visual artists with venues and each other." The newly established organization seeks to, "unite the cultural forces of North Country whereby presenting all that is exciting and happening within the artistic community."The Fete de Danse 2004 concert will be held July 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rouses Point Halstead Civic Center, with a reception and refreshments afterwards.Advance tickets are available by calling 297-3035. The cost is $10 for adults, $8 seniors, $5 children unless under the age of 8, which are free of charge. Tickets at the door are $12.