“Acutely Aware” Fundraiser Benefits Beck Dance Education

Back by popular demand, author Laura Viccarone returns to the Beck Center to share her collection of humorous short stories entitled “Acutely Aware,” at a fundraising event on Friday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in Beck’s Studio Theater. Viccarone's last performance at Beck sold out, so plan to buy your tickets early and join us for this 21-and-over event.

The entertaining evening includes a pre-show reception with hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary drink, followed by Viccarone’s one-woman show at 8 p.m., and desserts after the performance. All proceeds benefit the Dance Alliance of Beck Center (DABC), a volunteer group which provides support for students in the Dance program at the Beck Center. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at beckcenter.org or by calling 216-521-2540 x10.

DABC will also host a bake sale Saturday, Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Beck Center’s main lobby. Proceeds from the sale will be used to help offset costume expenses for Beck Dance Education’s upcoming production of Sleeping Beauty, April 27 through 29. Plan to stop by Beck and pick up some delicious homemade treats baked by DABC members.

Beck Dance Education will offer an Afro-Latin Rhythm master class with Susana Evert on Saturday, February 11 from 4:15 to 6:00 p.m. in the Music-Armory Building. Evert, a world-class Latina instructor, dancer and choreographer, will teach students basic Latin rhythms including salsa, meringue, samba, and rumba. No partner is required. Cost for the class is $15 per person. Students may register online at beckcenter.org or call 216.521.2540 x10.

Congratulations to Beck Dance Education students Taylor Gerrasch and Julia Horner who represented the center at the Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition last month in Chicago. Gerrasch and Horner competed in the senior contemporary category, performing solos choreographed by Antwon Duncan and Anna Roberts and both placed very well in this prestigious competition. A highlight of the weekend included a day of instruction by international master teachers and choreographers. This is the fourth year Beck Center dance students have participated in this event.

It’s not too late to register for the winter/spring semester at the Beck Center. Classes begin the week of January 30. With more than 200 classes, lessons and programs to choose from, students can learn how to dance, sculpt, play an instrument, or even try a hand at improv. Beck Center’s winter/spring semester offers returning favorites and exciting new offerings such as Broadway "Glee" Club, Cut Paper Illustration, Kids-N-Tunes, Hip Hop, Suzuki Violin, Public Speaking, Tone & Stretch, and Family Clay Time - to name just a few.

A complete class catalog and easy online registration can be found at beckcenter.org or call Customer Service at 216.521.2540 x10. Classes fill up quickly, so don't wait, sign up today! Private music lessons in all band and orchestral instruments are also available and registration is ongoing throughout the year. To learn more or to schedule private lessons, call the Music Office at 216.521.2540 x37.

Located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, the Beck Center for the Arts (beckcenter.org) is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional theater productions, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies for special needs students, and gallery exhibits featuring regional artists.