Toys Add Magic To Dance

At Christmastime, it seems as though children’s stories serve as adult fare, and everyone’s entranced and entertained. Even the most simple storyline appears almost magical among all age groups.

Spokane choreographer Janet Wilder wrote just such a children’s story, set dance steps to it and “The Toy Shelf” was born. Dance Theatre Northwest premiered the ballet a year ago and will perform it again this year Sunday at The Met.

According to Wilder, the story involves a number of toys and a number of stories. “There’s some of Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, Alice and the White Rabbit and the Three Little Pigs in this dance,” Wilder says.

“In addition, we have ducks, skaters and other toys.”

Roger Welch, the artistic director of the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, will narrate the story.

The role of the toymaker will be performed by Jim Thomas, also of the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre.

A half hour prior to each performance, there will be music by the Dvorcia String Quartet, a group of local high school students, and Veritas, The Inland Empire Boy’s Choir.

About 30 children from eight area dance schools will perform along with the 12 members of Dance Theatre Northwest. The troupe is a non-professional company of local student dancers.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: DANCE Dance Theatre Northwest will perform “The Toy Shelf” at The Met Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. with preperformance concerts at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, $5 for children/students/seniors, available at The Academy of Dance, 14214 E. Sprague, G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.