The second annual “Illuminate” contemporary dance concert is returning to the Ames City Auditorium at 6 p.m. Feb. 1. This event will feature dancers of all ages, including a section of aspiring dancers in grades kindergarten through seventh from various schools in the community. It will also include Dancecenter Dancers and professional choreographers from around the United States.

The collaboration of artistic talent was created to showcase contemporary dance’s value and beauty in the Ames community.

The Dancenter Dancer Company Foundation (DDCF) has dedicated time, financial resources and outreach to help this artistic dream come to life.

“If we want concert dance and contemporary dance to be in the community then we need to show it to the community,” event director Maureen McGrath said.

McGrath has been working hard and coordinating with multiple dance groups, dancers and schools to make this show happen. 

Choreographers from Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas and Illinois (including five Ames natives) are coming in to help create a number for the show and showcase their various talents. The beauty of contrast between dance beginners and full-time professionals emphasizes the unity of dance and its representation in the community.

“A lot of these kids have never been to a dance concert,” McGrath said. “It’s an opportunity for them to do a contemporary dance outside of just concerts or competitions.” 

Illuminate is not just any dance recital or ballet performance but rather a real, authentic contemporary art performance.

Following the “Illuminate” concert, all eight professional choreographers will participate in a meet and greet at Ames’ Sweet Caroline’s on Main Street. If you’re interested in picking the artistic brains behind the performance and/or grabbing a bite to eat, you can do so after the event.

Tickets are available online for purchase and open to all ages. You do not want to miss this opportunity to experience the excitement of movement art and talent from the community.