Dancing and revelry will take center stage this weekend as Children’s Dance Theater gears up for its annual July performance.

Children’s Dance Theater is a production of Co’Motion Dance Theater, both directed by professional dancer Valerie Williams.

Williams formed the children’s group eight years ago. Her purpose was to teach students how to create a sophisticated dance performance.

“The kids involved take classes for three weeks in July and have their final performance at the end of the month,” office assistant Callie Turner explained.

The students study dance technique, composition and improvisation as well as stage manners and practices, a recent press release stated.

In addition, this year the children will perform at local nursing homes.

“We consider Children’s Dance Theater to be our Ames outreach program. We try to train fearless and thinking dancers. They have the opportunity to study as well as rehearse,” Williams said.

This weekend’s performance is a celebration of Iowa’s sesquicentennial. The show focuses on the lives and achievements of famous heroes with Iowa ties, the press release stated.

There are three acts in this performance.

“Act I is inspired by the work of James Van Allen and is about outer space. The second act concentrates on Kate Shelley and the story of her heroism. The final act is called the Seekers. It’s about people who explore and invent and try to make the world better,” Williams explained.

“The dancing is modern, so the movement is fairly abstract. It’s like poetry,” Williams said.

Any child can sign up to be involved with the workshop.

“Many of the kids have been in the company for several years. They find out about it from friends and neighbors,” Williams explained.

In addition to training young minds and bodies, Williams also teaches classes for adults through the Iowa State University Ballroom Dance Club.

“I’ve been social dancing all my life and I really enjoy it. Ballroom dance is separate from Children’s Dance Theater or anything else I do. The social dancing is just for fun,” Williams said.

Williams is originally from Milwaukee and has training in musical theater.

“I decided while I was in college that I didn’t want to sit still for the rest of my life. I decided to make my living as a dancer. Musical theater didn’t feed my soul and mind enough. So I formed a Co’Motion, a professional dance company,” Williams said.

Co’Motion Dance Theater is in residency at Iowa State University.

“We trade services with the university. The Department of Health and Human Performance gives us rehearsal space in return for our teaching master classes,” Williams explained.

Co’Motion also tours throughout the upper Midwest while continuing to perform throughout the season here in Ames. We don’t spend a lot of time here because we don’t make any money. We spend a lot of time touring because that’s where we make money,” Williams said.

The Children’s Dance Theater will be performing Impact! Iowa Heroes at the Ames City Auditorium on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices are $5 general admission, $3 students and seniors, or $10 for families. Tickets are on sale at the Octagon Shop or can be purchased at the door.

For more information call Co’Motion Dance Theater at 232-7374.