Dancing the Blues

“The whole of life itself expresses the blues.  That’s why I always say the blues are the true facts of life expressed in words and song, inspiration, feeling and understanding…By knowing about yesterday, how things came along and are still advancing, it can give you a greater idea of what the future could be.  This is why the blues represents the past, present and future.”      -Vicksburg Native, Willie Dixon This statement by Vicksburg native, Willie Dixon is what inspired the vision behind the Vicksburg Performing Arts Company’s Spring Performance, “Dancing the Blues”.  In the 2011 Spring Performance, dance and blues education collaborate as company members bring awareness to local blues music and culture through choreography and performance. “Dancing the Blues” is a blues journey through dance, which encompasses ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre and African dancing. Now in its second year, the Vicksburg Performing Arts Company is committed to the art of dance.  By working hard to introduce and instill discipline, self-expression and passion into each company member, they also work towards becoming great dancers while understanding that learning to be a good person is the true mission. The Company’s goal is to allow each dancer to learn and experience the elements of dance:  artistry, confidence, coordination, creativity, grace, musicality, self-esteem, technique and appreciation for music and dance. Dancers are able to hone their craft through experience by performing locally and attending regional and national competitions and conventions throughout the year.  All Company members are selected through annual auditions and range in age from 7 to 16 and are divided into Apprentice, Junior and Senior companies. Chesley Sadler Lambiotte received a dance education degree from the University of Georgia.  While living in New York, she had recurring roles on the soaps, “One Life to Live” and “All My Children”, and danced in various commercials and industrials.  She worked as a performer and choreographer with the Boiler Room Theatre, and Bikram yoga instructor in Nashville, TN.  She now lives in Vicksburg with her husband and their two sons.  Since moving back to Vicksburg, she has taught dance with Vicksburg Dance Studio, co-directed the Mississippi Summer Dance Intensive and worked as the Assistant Choreographer of the Miss Mississippi Pageant and Choreographer of the Miss Mississippi Outstanding Teen Pageant. Space is limited and reservations are required.  For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.]]]]> ]]>