JANUARY 11-17, 2017 UCW 9
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
NEWS
The Givens Performing Arts Center, located in
Pembroke, provides the area with some of the
highest quality performances in the country. This
is possible through their Broadway and More
Series. This series highlights both local artists and
those known throughout the nation.
On Jan. 19, the N.C. Youth Tap Ensemble comes
to GPAC. There will be two performances, one
at 10 a.m., and one at 7:30 p.m. This group of 40
dancers from the ages of 8 to 18 brings unrivaled
passion to every one of their performances.
Because of their age many people make the
mistake of underestimating the performers, but
this ensemble is composed of incredibly talented
and professional dancers. They combine the
traditional American dance style of tap with
innovative contemporary choreography and
contemporary music.
Alaina Malcolm is 17 years old and has danced
with NCYTE since 2008. "I have been in the
company for eight years, and I have loved every
second of it. I have had the opportunity to travel
around the country and even go to Canada," she
said. "One of my favorite things about being a
tap dancer is that I have the ability to have self-
expression without having to use just words. To be
able to dance and tell a story that you can express
in a way that you love is such a great feeling."
The group was founded in 1983 by Gene Medler,
the award winning artistic director. Since its
founding NCYTE has experienced tremendous
success. From traditional tap and rhythm to
more funk-inspired numbers, NCYTE brings
personality and energy to each performance. The
group is renowned worldwide for their talent and
creativity. They have toured throughout the U.S.
and around the world as far away as Australia
and China, as well as participating in numerous
collaborations. Individual dancers who started
their careers at NCYTE have also gone on to
achieve individual success as adults. NCYTE
alumni includes stars such as Michelle Dorrance.
"Traveling with NCYTE makes it even more
fascinating. Meeting new people along the way
and making memories with my fellow dancers
is always a blessing," said
