HPAF launches professional dance program

Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, now preparing for its 12th season on Hawaii Island, is now offering a professional dance training program as part of its its 2016 Summer Festival vocal and string music curriculum.

The dance program will be held from July 20 to Aug. 2 on the campus of Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea.

Hawaii Performing Arts Festival brings talented young musicians and singers from the U.S., Canada, Asia, Africa, South America, Europe and Hawaii to Hawaii Island between June 28 and Aug. 3 to study and perform with professional performer/teachers in their field.

“This is the first time a pre-professional dance program of this caliber has been offered on the Big Island,” said Genette Freeman, HPAF executive director. “It expands our festival program into a new area and brings us one step closer to our goal of providing comprehensive performing arts training at the professional level in Hawaii.”

The new dance program, open to students ages 16 and above, offers daily studio classes in technique and repertory, master classes and symposiums in a comfortable environment with opportunities for interaction with the faculty as well as public performances. Dance disciplines include ballet, contemporary, Baroque, tap and choreography, among others.

Dance program staff includes Angel Prince, teachers Timothy Kasper and Catherine Turocy and guest artists. Prospective students may apply online at www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org. Registration deadline is June 15.

Info: www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org.