
Movies and Icons, a dance show celebrating our favorite movies and movie stars, was held at the Centro Para La Cultura y Las Artes de Ribera, also known as the Auditorium, for three performances on March 14, 15, and 16, 2025.
Only now are the dancers and singers of the show recovering, weeks after the three performances. On the other hand, the audiences left with a spring in their steps and lighter, happier hearts. Applause for each show was thunderous, with every audience member talking about seeing another show of this nature next year. It was such fun and so joyful.
The departing audiences were happy in the knowledge that their support of the show had contributed to various worthy local charities, including the International Festival Del Lago’s Summer Academy of Music for promising young classical, Mexican musicians. The Turning Point Project supported children’s dance classes and provided the required dance uniforms and shoes for those who might otherwise be unable to afford dance lessons.
Some of the dancers and choreographers themselves chose the music. Auditions for dancers were held months in advance of the show, with rehearsals starting in March of 2024 – a full year before the opening! Not only did some of the choreographers develop creative and inventive work but they danced in many pieces too. The choreographers were Alexis Hoff, Heather Hunter, Mary Neill, Maritza Freyslinger, Val Jones, Judy Edelin, Jen Piehl. Cortland Jones, Tanya Beede, Roy Haynes, Guillermo Hernandez, and Begona Paulin.
The arrangement of the show was a testament to good, clear planning and included three wonderful singers. Laura Medina sang “For Your Eyes Only” with colorful winged background dancers and a touching duet with Brian Mathers, who also sang “Old Black Magic”with a wonderful waterfall of diamonds cascading onto the back cloth behind him and two elegant dancers, enhancing the imagery of the song. The two ladies, Alexis Hoff and Mary Neill, had beautiful port de bras – a joy to behold ballet at its best – on display.
The third singer was the always entertaining and capable Master of Ceremonies John Ward, not only did he introduce each number with clarity and some quick pithy jokes, but he also then picked up his guitar and gave a wonderful rendition of “Beginnings” by Chicago. He was supported during the song by Brian Mathers and Kristine Handgen along with five beautiful dancers including *Barbara Bourdin, *Elizabeth Edwards, *Kathy McSweeney, Karen Watts, and *Pamela Johnson, with sophisticated but simple choreography by Val Jones. Those named with an * also danced in “For Your Eyes Only” with Iveagh Munro and Joanne Stuart.
It was a pleasure to see three gentlemen, Lucio Mendes Jr., Greg Weiler, and Roy Haynes, in “It’s a Man’s World,” choreographed by Maritza Freyslinger. They were such “manly men” that they made their exit with a lady on each arm – fun!
The young dancers of the Hernandez Corps de Ballet enhanced the extraordinary energy and vitality of the show under the direction of Laura Elena and Hector Hernandez. They positively sparkled in three high-energy numbers “Another Day in the Sun,” “One” from A Chorus Line, and “Voulez Vous,”choreographed by Begoña Paulin. Their technical ability was astounding and the joy of dancing apparent in each one of the performers. “Libertango,” choreographed by Tanya Beede, was another number with clever choreography and spiced with a little competition between two of the characters, played by Alexis Hoff and Gabriela Castaneda.
Val Jones choreographed a tricky and impressive tap dance, “Vogue,” for some of the more advanced tappers from our area.
With so many diverse choreographers and dancers, the show ran the risk of being difficult to follow and feeling too long from an audience standpoint. The title of the show, Movies and Icons, became a strong thread but the brilliant background videos and pictures on the massive stage screen became the glue that held each number together with the next, flowing swiftly throughout.
High praise must go to dancer, choreographer and creative coordinator, Roy Haynes, for using such a wonderful device. The ingenious use of video and pictures guaranteed the flow of this wonderful show. Roy, a man with huge vision and creativity, was also one of the most charismatic performers in the show. His economy of movement and comedic timing were amazing and funny too. He was assisted by the assembly of some gorgeous, colorful costumes built by Rebecca Gigante.
The cast of dancers and singers included those mentioned above and Allyson De Jong, Bryn Dixon, Peggy Gilchrist, Concha Gurski, Olga Kaplounenko, Debbie Litchenberg, Elizabeth Polanco, Kristina Robinson. They were all supported by a calm, experienced, and confident stage manager in Bob Mazanec. His crew were efficient and knowledgeable (Chris Philipson and Jim McSweeney) as were the backstage workers, silent and covered in black from head to toe.
Robert Fineman was the unflappable tapper who played the major role of co-producer, together with the guidance of professional actor/director Rosann Wilshire as his co–producer. Their commitment and tenacity made the show come together.
As the audience made their way from the Auditorium, I heard so many use the words “so talented.” This is true. There were varied degrees of talent among the performers and crew but the one element that made the show such a huge success was the joy of dancing and work, work, and more work. Congratulations to all.
We are thrilled to announce that our recent production of “Movies and Icons: A Dance Song Extravaganza” has successfully raised $250,000 pesos for the International Festival del Lago Academy of Music Summer Intensive Program.” Roy Lee Haneys Rundell told the public. Five scholarships will be awarded also sponsored, in part by TTPP. The Turning Point Project. Who also raises money for young people who would like to take dance lessons but cannot afford them. They are provided with tuition, and uniforms including shoes.
- A Smashing Success - May 29, 2025
- Full Circle - February 29, 2024
- Another Happy Dance Discovery - July 31, 2023