ONYX Young Choreographers Showcase to conclude arts expo

What: Better When I’m Dancing DSPA Recital
When: June 3, 1 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Where: Maricopa Performing Arts Center, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave.
How Much: $15-$20
Info: [email protected]; 520-483-8915[/quote_box_right]Besides the established schedule of fine arts and performing arts events, Maricopa Arts Council’s arts expo introduced the city to poetry slams, studio crawls, a world music showcase, performing arts gala and a movie-shorts competition.

The concluding event is another Maricopa first: ONYX Young Choreographers Showcase.

Desert Sun Performing Arts director Ceylan Gentilella called it “something really cool.”

“Dancers in our contemporary company, young adults and teenagers will be choreographing their own dances,” she said. “It’s nice to see what they come up with, who’s got the eye for movement.”

Staged in between two performances of the 11^th annual DSPA recital “Better When I’m Dancing,” the choreography challenge will be judged by the audience. People’s Choice awards go to first, second and third place, with prize money of $300, $150 and $50, respectively.

Gentilella said the event was originally conceived as an adult competition, but she was seeing something special among her ONYX troupe.

“We’ve got real talent,” she said.

Eddie Perry, part of the Maricopa High School Class of 2017, has already choreographed locally for Families First CDC. He is one of the nine choreographers presenting six dances.

“I love choreographing because it helps me with my teamwork and being able to communicate properly,” he explained in his pre-recital notes.

Dances in performance are also choreographed by Riley Bell and Erin Hildick, Allison and Madison Tucker, Giselle Sanchez and Crystabel Sanchez, Samantha Perry and Katie Sherrod.