Lauri Gray’s School of Dance in Gilroy has rented out the entire
San Jose Center for Performing Arts for a unique dance version
of
”
Peter Pan.
”
Lauri Gray’s School of Dance in Gilroy has rented out the entire San Jose Center for Performing Arts for a unique dance version of “Peter Pan.” I say unique because the show includes such unusual performances as Lost Boys and pirates dueling with each other to the tune of “Dueling Banjos.” More than 100 dancers are participating from Gilroy and the surrounding areas, ranging in age from 2 years old all the way up to “us old people,” as one mom put it. Before “Peter Pan” begins, there will be a patriotic presentation of dance called “Dancing in the Streets” culminating in a sign-language presentation of “I’m Proud to be an American.”
The dedication of these dancers is inspiring; after weeks of rehearsal, they are putting the finishing touches on their costumes. In one mother/daughter dance team’s home, the poofy red ruffled blouse has finally been fitted; a black sports bra has been located, the dog collar has been decorated with sequins as well as the enhanced poodle skirt, which now features sequins at the waistline. For those playing pirates, whether or not to wear an eye patch is the next question now, since wearing an eye patch could throw off depth perception and make for some interesting dance moves.
The director has also decided that moms should wear something a little more form-fitting than usual, “Tight-fitting with fringe!” as one panicked mom told me. In her anxiety, she joined Weight Watchers – but then over the weekend ate a whole box of Girl Scout cookies (but in three different sittings she was quick to point out). “How do you calculate the points for a whole box of Girl Scout cookies?” she moaned, “I’m afraid to figure that out.”
The reason moms are willing to squeeze into fringed outfits and find the time to rehearse every week and dads are willing to slave away as background crew is to see the way their sons and daughters grow in their courage to stand up in front of people, the exposure they get to music and rhythm, the friendship that develops between them, and the way it extends their social circle. They see their daughters grow in confidence and self-esteem. Some of this year’s dancers will also perform at The Strand during the Arts Conference being held there May 17 to 18 in downtown Gilroy.
What is more significant than recouping her costs is that Lauri Gray is donating all the proceeds of her Peter Pan show to Debbie Sanchez, a woman suffering from breast cancer. Debbie does not have any health insurance, and so can’t afford the treatments. Lauri is hoping to raise $15,000, (if she can pack the Center for Performing Arts. Her ticket price is only $10 per ticket, so she needs lots of tickets sold!) to give to Debbie. Lauri is an incredibly generous member of our community, and she has donated to many other causes, including the New York Firefighters after 9/11. Lauri takes her dancers on trips to perform at conventions and at events like Christmas in the Park. This year she is taking them on a trip to Disneyland to perform. Lauri has a passion for making sure her dancers get as much out of their experience with dance as possible, and her tender-heartedness for others leads her to always look for ways to contribute to our community. If you are interested in Saturday’s (May 10 at 3:30) Peter Pan show, please call Lauri at 847-1827 with any questions; tickets will be available at the door. Please support saving and healing Debbie Sanchez from breast cancer.
