The Hope College dance affiliate StrikeTime Dance Theatre will present a live dance event for children titled “Journey Through Imagination” on Fri., Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. and Sat., Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland. This free performance is open to all ages and especially welcomes children and those with a child-like spirit who are interested in celebrating the power of dance, art, reading and community.
The “Journey Through Imagination” program includes various works. The first piece — choreographed and directed by Nicki Flinn-Culver, a ‘97 Hope graduate and associate professor of dance — is inspired by the picture book, Journey, written and illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winner Aaron Becker. This excerpt brings moments of the story to life through movement, music and storytelling, inviting audiences into a world of wonder, discovery and creativity.
The program also includes original dance works that celebrate the creative process itself. Tumble, Tangle, Whirl is choreographed by Hope alum and Founding Director of Koresh Kids Dance Teresa VanDenend, EdM, and explores play as a creative journey, revealing how ideas begin, grow and take shape through movement.
Phonetically is choreographed by Hope alum and dancer Stephanie Rankin, who also highlights how inspiration (even for the phonetic alphabet) can come from anywhere, by transforming simple sounds and symbols into movement and creative expression.
The final piece, Groovin’ Daily, is choreographed by Nicki Flinn-Culver and shares the artistic process of the late American pop artist, Keith Haring. This piece will explore expression, movement and the joy of sharing ideas boldly and publicly.
All Zeeland Public School third-grade students will attend a live performance at the Knickerbocker in conjunction with learning about the artists in school. Student artwork will be on display in the theater during the performances.