CityView Magazine

30 | March/April • 2014 ville and all over the state, including a special performance at the North Caro- lina Museum of History in Durham celebrating African-American culture. e dancers have also traveled out of state for performance opportunities in Atlanta, taken classes at acclaimed me- ga-studio Steps on Broadway and have even visited the Lone Star State to par- ticipate in the Black College Dance Ex- change at Prairie View A&M College. As a former member of a profes- sional modern company led by the late Paul Hall in New Haven, Connecticut, Hatcher-Puzzo realizes the importance of having a way to perform aer college. is is one of the reasons she founded Koffee Dance Company headquarted in Durham. Members of the company hail from North Carolina State Univer- sity, Appalachian State University and even a few dancers from FSU take part. "I thought once these students gradu- ate…where will they go? I wanted them to understand what it's like to work in a company. ere are demands. It is seri- ous work," she explained. Deon Releford is a graduating sen- ior with a minor in dance and is also a member of Koffee Dance Company. "I love the freedom of dance. When I started dancing, I was going through a lot, just not sure of myself…I never had an outlet for my energy until dance." It is evident that all of the students re- spect and have a deep admiration for Hatcher-Puzzo as a teacher, dancer and encourager. Deon explained, "When we went to Texas for the Black College Dance Exchange, I didn't want to do it but Ms. Avis made me. I auditioned for scholarships…and I received three out of four that were offered." It is obvious that Hatcher-Puzzo is building a successful program with talented dancers who are ready to per- form and show the community what they're made of. CV eir next performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on March 21 and 3:00 p.m. on March 22 in conjunction with Char- lotte Blume school of Dance and the North Carolina state Ballet at seabrook Auditorium. c a p e f e a r v a l l e y b l o o d d o n o r c e n t e r this is more than a bag of blood. This is a father being able to walk his daughter down the aisle. This is a grandmother being able to kiss her first grandbaby. This is a teenage girl being able to go to prom. This is a child being able to laugh and play at the park. give life. give memories. give blood. saving lives locally : 910 615-life BEYOND MANAGEMENT AT ASSOCIA HRW, INC., we offer HOA and condominium management services beyond what you'll find anywhere else, designed to improve your life. Call us now for a free quote. FAYETTEvillE 3771 RAMsEY sTREET, #109-153 (866) 850-0353 www.hRw.NET customercare@hrw.net HRW-13-010 CityView SepOct.indd 1 8/19/13 12:41 PM

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