Helen French and eight-week old son Credit: Charlotte Suarez
BEACON dancers in motion Credit: Tom Kramer
The arts community of St. Pete continues to outdo itself, specifically through dance. Many local dance supporters remember the BEACON series from last November when it premiered with its theme of Home. On January 13, 2017, the much anticipated series will return to The Palladium. Some key information was finally leaked last week at a reception for the event at Rococo Steak House. Following complimentary champagne and delectable hors d'oeuvres, dancer Kelly Harmon caught the audience’s attention by giving us a sneak peak of the choreography of the upcoming show, which was fluid, strong and beautiful. Even though this performance was done unexpectedly in the middle of an intimate party room after Harmon removed her heels and danced barefoot in her evening dress, everyone was moved by the emotion that her movement captured, and that is expected to follow through into the BEACON performance in January. The world premiere of the trailer was next on the agenda, which was a collaboration between artists that brought together dance, music and one of the themes of the upcoming performance, which is mother artists.
The producers and
BEACON co-founders Helen French and Lauren Slone Credit: Charlotte Suarez
choreographers, Helen French and Lauren Slone, feel passionately about combining mothers and artists as, they explained, motherhood is a beautiful art form in itself. The two elaborated on this passion as well as their motivation to make the art of dance more accessible in St. Pete.
Along with the dance works at the Palladium in January, Helen will debit a dance film that incorporates over 20 local artists.
Big things are happening for dance in the Bay Area. Stay tuned for more information and interviews with dancers as the event gets closer!
