Navajo-Hopi Observer

FLAGSTAFF-"Five, six, seven, eight! Leap, bend, turn, roll, reach, point that toe!" These are the sounds of Gina Darlington's choreography class at Coconino Community College. In this class, the dancer learns how to be the teacher and these dancers will be showcasing their original work at 6 p.m., Friday, May 4 at the Canyon Dance Academy as the First Stop on the First Friday Artwalk.

"Each student choreographer is presenting a dance. There will be eight to 12 students performing, with eight choreographers," Darlington said. Students work on individual choreography almost daily and study other choreographers through video and class discussions. They are encouraged to explore and try new things with movement.

"The students are creating modern and jazz pieces. Some of them are light and some deal with serious themes," said Darlington. The choreography students are among the many dancers participating in the Ninth Annual DanCelebration, a three-day series of workshops and performances hosted by Darlington's dance company, Canyon Movement Company.

DanCelebration is scheduled for May 3-5 and will feature guest artist Breanna Rogers from Colorado along with Canyon Movement Company and Human Nature Dance Theatre. Free workshops and performances are offered throughout the festival.

For more information, call Darlington at (928) 226-4259.