For ballroom and Latin dance fans in Eugene, Tuesday will be a night to remember because on that night, professional dancers from around the world will come together for Champions of the Dance at the Hult Center. The show will feature ballroom styles ranging from salsa to a traditional waltz.
The University’s Cultural Forum is sponsoring the event in coordination with local ballroom dance school StaverDanceSport in Eugene. The performance will feature dancers from famous television shows such as ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” and PBS’ “America’s Ballroom Challenge.”
Milo Petruziello, a graduate student and performing arts coordinator for the Cultural Forum said the show will feature mostly duet performances with large ensemble dances to bookend the show.
“It’s an incredibly colorful and very diverse list of numbers — everything from ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ to classical performances like the waltz,” Petruziello said.
Graduate student Laura Katzman teaches ballet and ballroom at the University. Many dance teachers at the University require their students to see at least one professional show a term, and Katzman was thrilled to tell her students about the level of dance that will be offered at the Champions of the Dance show next week.
“It gives them a chance to get out of the classroom, it’s a really great opportunity and there is so much that’s offered — what a treat to see people performing at that caliber and to be inspired by them,” Katzman said.
The event is expected to draw crowds from the University and greater Eugene area, as well as many “Dancing with the Stars” fans. Dancing partners Evgeny Dyachenko and Inna Ivanenko will perform in the show and are known for their appearance on the shows “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Ballroom Challenge.”
With dancers originating from multiple countries such as the Ukraine, Mexico and Russia, the show offers a unique global perspective on dance.
Katzman said that the event will provide students an unique opportunity to experience dance at a professional level as well as be inspired by the display of cultural differences through dance.
“It’s an event that both the student community and Eugene at large can really enjoy and the chance to see any performing arts done at that level is really special, it’s updated and modern and a really exciting and beautiful show,” Petruziello said.
Despite the avid ballroom and Latin dance fans that will be attending, the show is sure to appeal to others looking for a diverse and entertaining event.
“In general it’s something we don’t see here in Eugene that often — an event that shows us new perspectives and new styles,” Petruziello said.