Dance

How Movies Changed Dancing: A Brief Talk Wednesday Night on a 130-Year History

By DARIENITE.COM | February 24, 2025

A talk about how the movies changed dancing will be broadcast online Wednesday evening, Feb. 26, by Fordham University professor Brian Rose. The movies and dancing are a partnership born in heaven. From its very beginnings, the new medium of motion pictures turned toward dance as one of best ways to showcase its unique ability to make movement come alive. — an announcement from Darien Library

Through the decades, it’s been dancing on the big screen that has provided some of the most ecstatic moments in film history — whether it’s Fred Astaire gliding on the ceiling in Royal Wedding, the Nicholas Brothers leaping down a staircase in Stormy Weather, Moira Shearer pirouetting through the dreamscape of The Red Shoes, or John Travolta burning up the dance floor in Saturday Night Fever.

Li-Garden Dance Company Performs at Darien Library Wednesday to Celebrate the Lunar New Year

Open Mic Night at Darien Library This Friday: Sign Up to Perform or Just Come to Listen and Watch

Darien Arts Center So We Think We Can Dance 2025 poster

They Can Dance and You Can See Them Do It: 'So We Think We Can Dance' Coming February 8 and 9

The Traveling 'Fairfield County Dance Festival' Comes to Darien on July 23

Dance

East Coast Contemporary Ballet perfoemance Darien Arts Center online poster

East Coast Contemporary Ballet Performs This Friday, Saturday Night at Darien Arts Center

By DARIENITE.COM | May 8, 2024

East Coast Contemporary Ballet will perform a program, “V: 5 works, 5 Choreographic Styles and 5 years of ECCB,” complete with live music, this Friday and Saturday evenings, May 10 and 11, at Darien Art Center. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center

The evening highlights the versatility, technical prowess, and acute artistry of ECCB’s dancers and celebrates four different choreographers and their varying styles. Come enjoy works by Dorothea Garland, Seyong Kim, Alejandro Ulloa and Claire Mazza in the ballet group’s 5th anniversary Spring Season. You can find several more dance performances on the Darien Arts Center “Events” web page. If You’re Going …

Bollyfitness

Bollywood Dance Plus Zumba-Like Moves Equals ‘Bollyfitness’ — Try It Wednesday at Darien Library

By Darienite.com Staff | January 13, 2024

Bollywood-themed dance and Zumba-themed exercise are combined in a class being offered at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library

Bollyfitness as it suggests is a mix of dance & fitness like Zumba that makes you groove to Bollywood music. The class offers an hour of nonstop dancing for all the fitness lovers and a great high energy workout. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to sweat it out! (Please wear clothes that you can easily move around in and sneakers.

Dance

Dancing Stars of Greenwich Shows How It’s Done at a Sept 17 Benefit for Abilis

By DARIENITE.COM | August 31, 2022

Get ready to see waltzes, rumbas, tangoes, twirls, some cha, cha, cha, and maybe even some moonwalking at the Dancing Stars of Greenwich, a charity dance off for the nonprofit Abilis. — an announcement from Abilis

This fourth annual event will be bigger than ever with celebrity judges and a line-up of dancers. It features local celebrities and community leaders performing choreographed dance routines, mirroring the hit TV show. “Dancing Stars of Greenwich is full of all the fun, glitz and glamour of the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars,” said Elmar Schmidt, owner and ballroom dance instructor of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Greenwich. “Local stars and leaders in the community have been training to compete, just like on television.”

The panel of celebrity judges and the audience decide who will win the Mirrorball trophy. Guests will enjoy an evening of live entertainment, music, dancing, a champagne reception, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.

COVID-19 2021

With Music and Dance, Americares Launches COVID-19 Public Health Campaign

By DARIENITE.COM | April 7, 2021

Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization, is tapping into the power of music to reinforce the continued importance of COVID-19 safety precautions with a campaign featuring original music and choreography. — an announcement from Americares

As vaccines roll out across the nation and states relax restrictions, the music and dance-based public health education campaign puts safety precautions at the center of pop culture. The “Wear a Mask” campaign encourages the continued adherence to COVID safety protocols, pairing an infectious melody with an entertaining dance—and scientific evidence. The campaign targets the 18 to 34-year-old demographic, encouraging the age group to adhere to core COVID-19 health hygiene and precautionary measures, including mask wearing, physical distancing and hand washing. The campaign, which debuts today on World Health Day, includes an original song and choreographed dance.

Dance

East Coast Contemporary Ballet publicity photo

East Coast Contemporary Ballet to Dance at Darien Arts Center on Feb 14 With Original Works

By DARIENITE.COM | January 30, 2020

East Coast Contemporary Ballet is coming to Darien Arts Center on Tuesday, Feb. 14, with a performance titled “Celebration of Love for the Arts” including four original works of contemporary dance. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center

ECCB presents ballets that push the physical and artistic boundaries of contemporary dance, seeking to reach a diverse audience and to fill a void as a continually active and innovative contemporary ballet company. The evening of contemporary dance will feature four original works produced by the groundbreaking non-profit. A wine reception and meet and greet will follow the performance.

Dance

A Time to Just Dance in the Teen Lounge at Darien Library

By DARIENITE.COM | January 25, 2020

Do you have what it takes to cha-cha-cha against the competition? Why not come to Darien Library and prove that you have the smoothest moves of all! The Just Dance Party takes place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28 in the Teen Lounge at the library. Eat some snacks and dance like nobody’s watching at our Just Dance party!

Dance

‘So We Think We Can Dance’ Returns Feb 1 and 2 — Register Before They Sell Out

By DARIENITE.COM | January 18, 2020

The popular showcase of talent, So We Think We Can Dance is back for its ninth year at the Darien Arts Center, where the student-run production has had sold-out audiences for the past eight years. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center

Totally produced by DAC dance students, ages 10 to 18, the show returns to the DAC Weatherstone Studio with performances on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m.

Eighteen DAC student choreographers with 40 dancers, manage all stages of creation and execution, and choreograph and perform approximately 18 dances that encompass many different styles of dance. The DAC dance program is proud to provide this one of kind opportunity for students to produce a show from start to finish.

Classes

Register Soon for Winter/Spring Dance Classes at Darien Arts Center

By DARIENITE.COM | January 1, 2020

Registration is open for Darien Arts Center winter/spring dance classes, beginning Jan. 20, with a wide variety for all ages and skill levels. Don’t wait too long — classes fill quickly. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center

Classes for ages 3 & up include Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Teen Lyrical, Adult Lyrical Jazz, Teen Contemporary, Modern, Broadway Dance, Pop-Pilates Tap and Pointe. Different Levels:

—In the introductory program for ages three to five, students explore rhythm, music, creative expression and basic coordination skills in addition to dance vocabulary and basic positions.

Dance

East Coast Contemporary Ballet ECCB Unveiled Darien Arts Center DAC

Darien Arts Center Hosts ‘Unveiled’ Nov 8 by East Coast Contemporary Ballet

By DARIENITE.COM | October 23, 2019

The Darien Arts Center is hosting, Unveiled, a special inaugural performance by East Coast Contemporary Ballet on Nov. 8. The evening of contemporary dance and live music consists of entirely original works and six world premiers produced by the groundbreaking non-profit. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center

Dance performances will encompass classical ballet, modern, contemporary jazz, and ballroom styles, and approximately 30 dancers will perform in the 60-minute show. The show’s performances span from a historic icon’s tale to musings on relationships, and from a parlor-style jaunt to a ritualistic gathering, portraying diversity in both dance and music.

Classes

New ‘Mommy and Me: Music and Movement’ Class at Darien Arts Center Starts Oct 16

By DARIENITE.COM | October 5, 2019

Danette Meigel is teaching the new “Mommy and Me: Music and Movement” class at the Darien Arts Center. Music and Movement is geared toward children ages 18-months to 3 years and their parents and caregivers. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center

Classes will be held from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesdays from Oct. 16 through Nov. 20.

Dance

Dancers from Darien Arts Center, Colleges and Professional Groups Perform Oct 19 in ‘An Evening of Dance’

By DARIENITE.COM | October 1, 2019

The Darien Arts Center is presenting a new dance showcase that includes professional and college dance groups in An Evening of Dance on Saturday, Oct. 19. The Sacred Heart University dance program will be performing, as well as East Coast Contemporary Ballet, DAC and Latin Moves companies. Dance performances will encompass classical ballet, modern, contemporary jazz, and ballroom styles, and about 30 dancers will perform in the 60-minute show. Audience members are encouraged to stay for refreshments and a ‘meet and greet’ with dancers following the showcase.

Dance

Two New Dance Instructors at Darien Arts Center

By DARIENITE.COM | August 26, 2019

The Darien Arts Center has announced the addition of two new instructors to their dance faculty. Victoria Ulmer and Jana Powers will join the popular DAC dance program which offers students from the age of 3 through adults, the opportunity to train in one of the finest dance spaces in Fairfield County and to participate in multiple performances throughout the year. Victoria Ulmer joins the DAC staff from Steps Performing Arts Center and has over 35 years of experience teaching dance. She has trained with Madame Darvash, Chet Walker, Chuck Kelly, Broadway Dance Center, Alvin Ailey, Steps on Broadway and Peridance. She is trained in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop and Swing.

Dance

Childrens Ballet, ‘Belle’s Adventures’ at Darien Arts Center, April 6 and 7

By DARIENITE.COM | March 28, 2019

Darien Arts Center students and members of the DAC performance company will present Belle’s Adventures, a new original children’s ballet, on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Performances take place at 12 noon and 3 p.m. in the DAC Weatherstone Studio at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center

Belle’s Adventures is geared toward a younger audience. It is an ideal way for those interested in learning how to dance, to see one of many DAC performance opportunities provided for dance students. All ages are welcome to attend, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $15 for the show, which runs for approximately one hour.

Dance

Reserve Tickets Now (They Usually Sell Out) for Darien Art’s Center’s 18th ‘Evening of Dance’

By DARIENITE.COM | October 9, 2018

Once again, a dazzling ‘Evening of Dance’ promises to thrill audiences at the Darien Arts Center’s annual performances at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20 and at 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 21. — an announcement from Darien Arts Center

Celebrating it’s 18th year, the DAC’s ‘Evening of Dance’ will showcase an impressive culmination of performances by the DAC Dance department staff, and the adult and student performance groups that have worked together since 2000. Under the direction of DAC Dance Director Bonnie Gombos, instructors and students have developed, choreographed and polished performances to feature the versatility of the dancers in a wide variety of dance forms.

Performances will encompass classical ballet, modern, contemporary jazz, and ballroom styles, and approximately 30 dancers will perform in the 90-minute show.

Dance

Bonnie Gombos Both Heads DAC Dance and, with Husband Jamie, Teaches Martial Arts

By DARIENITE.COM | September 24, 2018

For many in Darien, “Miss Bonnie” is synonymous with ballet, modern, tap, hip hop, jazz and multiple other dance opportunities for youth. It’s not a surprise, as Bonnie Gombos has been at the helm of the Darien Art Center’s well-known dance department since 2007 and has been teaching dance at the DAC for 23 years. — This article was provided by Darien Arts Center. First hired as a dance instructor, Gombos soon found herself filling the shoes of original DAC Dance Director Val Pullman when Pullman moved to Maryland. Already known for its welcoming and creative dance space, Gombos grew the DAC’s dance “family” into one of the largest dance schools in Connecticut, teaching dance to many generations in Darien.

Events Calendar

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