In this GP Updates article, Madison Heth shares about Fusion Dance Academy and its 2023 June Dance Showcase.
Fusion Dance Academy is thrilled to perform their 2023 showcase "Just Google It" at the Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center on June 10 and 11, 2023.
Fusion Dance Academy is a dance studio specializing in dance styles ranging from hip-hop, jazz, and tap, to contemporary, ballet and acro. Fusion was started by Kimberly Awbrey, who began teaching dance in 2005 at Kids Unlimited under the name of "Fusion". Opened by Awbrey in 2010, Fusion Dance Academy and its Fusion Force dance competition team, have been active around the area attending conventions, competitions, and workshops over the years. Fusion Dance Academy was based in Medford, Oregon but recently, as of summer 2022, the studio has relocated along Redwood Highway in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Fusion Force dance team was created with the Fusion Dance Academy studio, and the team has been participating in competitions around the area every year. Some of the events and competitions Fusion Force has attended are Hollywood Connection and Fly Dance Competition. Every year, auditions occur for the Fusion Force dance team where dancers from anywhere can come and try out. May 20, 2023 was the first audition for the team but, on June 12, there will be a second chance audition for those who could not attend previously. Audition information can be found on the Fusion Dance Academy website and Instagram.
This June's showcase will present several of the team's competition pieces, such as "Pretty Woman" and "Hey, We are the Monkees!" The team works hard to make their performances a joy to see. Fusion Force's dances have great music, meaning and are extremely well-choreographed. Fusion Force is directed by Kimberly Awbrey, owner and talented tap instructor, and co-directed by Lia Kirkpatrick, a specialized acro teacher. Many pieces are choreographed by previous team members: Emily Awbrey, Abby Kirkpatrick and Abigail Bohn along with present students.
Fusion Performing Arts Alliance found its beginning in 2017. The alliance explains on its website, "We are committed to providing high-quality dance and theater training to kids and young adults." Recently, Fusion Dance Academy (Kimberly Awbrey and Joanna Pitzak) merged with Training with Jocelyn (Jocelyn Schmidt) in creating a building for Fusion Performing Arts Alliance, which is shared with the academy. Fusion Performing Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization working to provide youth in Southern Oregon with scholarships and opportunities to dance.
Recently, the alliance put on a fundraiser at Grants Pass High School Performing Arts Center, showcasing many incredible performing artists from our area. There were performances by One Eleven Theatre Company, GPHS Theatre Department, Rogue Gold Jazz Band, Fusion Force dance team, and many other artists. The fundraiser was a success, and a wonderful night for those who attended. Fusion Performing Arts Alliance stated, "We are so incredibly humbled by the outpouring of support for our Celebrating the Arts event." The fundraiser raised money to go towards giving youth in the Southern Oregon community the opportunity to experience dance and theatre.
Fusion Dance Academy's 2023 Showcase, "Just Google It!", will have performances from all ages of dancers in acro, tap, contemporary, ballet and more. June 10 at 6:30 PM will be the evening showing, and June 11 at 2:00 PM will be the matinee showing. General admission tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children/seniors. Tickets are available at the Fusion Dance Academy website. Fusion would love to have you attend.