By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Encore Dance Company will audition for membership Saturday, Sept. 16, at 9 a.m. Tryouts are open to grades 1 through 12, according to Artistic Director Amy Rose, who also has a new studio director, Kathy Bishop, at Lincoln Community Center.
Classes for the 2006-07 year began Sept. 5 with the start of school.
A new class, "You and Me," typically called a mommy and me class, is designed for parents to participate in class with young children ages 18 months to 36 months.
Encore Performing Arts also offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and pointe, including for adults.
Encore Dance Company enjoyed an active summer.
At nationals in July the troupe came away with 10 gold awards and a platinum.
Encore also provided street entertainment at the 21st annual Fun Fest and at Rod and Roll Aug. 19.
As her fifth year begins, Rose is humming Christmas carols under her breath.
That's because she's already looking forward to "Making Spirits Bright, a Holiday Extravaganza," the new Christmas show replacing "Christmas Around the World."
It will be performed Dec. 2 and 3 at Dowagiac Middle School.
Special guest artist will be pianist Jim Pickley, who often plays at Wood Fire.
Auditions for variety acts to perform in the show will take place at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 16.
Rose said she is looking for all ages and group sizes, including singers and musicians as well as dancers.