On Saturday, Dec. 12 the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts is hosting two shows of a lyrical blend of poetry and a variety of dance styles under the direction of Thea Huijgen. Born in the Netherlands, Thea became a professional dancer with Het Folkloristish Danstheater in Amsterdam. She later moved to California, and then after living in various locations in Washington, she took a bike vacation that brought her to Lopez Island. She now teaches adult and youth ballet classes at her home studio on Lopez, sometimes teaches folk dance sessions at the Grange on Lopez, and has been teaching folk dance workshops across the US.

For this production, Thea collaborated with local poet and performing artist, Nikyta Palmisani, who wrote poems specifically for this show. Nikyta is an Expressive Arts Therapist, and has conservatory training in acting, dance, and voice as well as a long-standing poetry practice. She has a long history of performance art often incorporating reused or salvaged materials with themes of social justice and activism. She is elated to be included in this show combining her costume making, original poetry and collaborative choreography with Thea and most importantly, the bright and joyous young dancers of Lopez Island.

Other poetry readers are Jennell Kvistad, Joshua Eide and George Keeler. They support about 50 dancers of various ages and musicians featuring a blend of different dance styles, such as ballet, ethnic dance, tap, and contemporary dance. So, you may expect to see many different characters appearing on stage. Local artist, Polly Ham, even restored a retired dragon for one dance.

What better way to spend a dark winter afternoon, or evening, engaging in an adventure of poetry and dance at your Lopez Community Center? There will be two performances on Saturday, Dec. 12; the first one will start at 2 p.m. and the second at 7:30 p.m., and admission is by donation at the door. Be prepared for an experience of memorable entertainment.