A workshop in North Platte this weekend will give area dance students the opportunity to work with some of the world’s best choreographers and dancers.
The Stage Dance Studio is hosting the “LA-2-NE” dance workshop, featuring four of Los Angeles’ best.
The workshop will be led by instructors Peterson Thelisma, Antwon Collier, Starkesha Brown and Janaya French.
Thelisma was part of Striker’s All-Stars on America’s Best Dance Crew, a dance crew competition that aired for several seasons on MTV. Thelisma has also appeared on America’s Got Talent. This is his third visit to North Platte to work with area students.
Antwon Collier is a dancer/choreographer who works in the entertainment industry as a back-up dancer for singers and entertainers. Collier has worked with Missy Elliot, Nick Cannon and others. He will give students a different twist on Hip Hop with his Hip Hop Fusion style of dance.
Starkesha Brown has been a dancer for the Detroit Pistons and the San Diego Chargers. She also appeared on first season of VH1’s “Hit the Floor,” and toured with numerous singers. This is Brown’s second visit to North Platte.
Janaya French specializes in Lyrical and Contemporary dance. She made the Top 20 of Season 9 on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” French has worked with many choreographers, including Stacy Tookey, Travis Wall, Nappy Tabs and more. She also performed on the Emmy Awards and Teen Choice Awards with Paramore. French currently lives in Los Angeles, but is originally from Denver.
The 2-day workshop will be held May 17 and 18 at the North Platte Community Playhouse, and will feature a dance showcase on Saturday. The cost is $170 to register for the workshop, and $35 to participate in the showcase Saturday Night.
The instructors will also be special guests at The Stage’s recital May 16 at 6:00 p.m at the North Platte Community Playhouse. Admission to the recital is free and open to the public. They will also be available for a meet and greet on the 16th from 1:30-3:00 at the North Platte Community Playhouse.
For more information, or to register, contact The Stage owner, Janna Ryan, at 308-532-0825 or visit their website, behindthestage.com.