BARBARA DIAMOND
The finale to caDance Day was held at the North Laguna home of Stuart
Byer, Jeff Rehm and their bouvier des Flandres, Schnitz, where
dancers and dance lovers gathered to review the performance at Main
Beach.
"I have some 1920s photographs of Denishawn Co., then a leading
modern dance company, on Main Beach," said Laguna Beach Arts
Coordinator Sian Poeschl, who founded California Choreographers,
which began Dance Day. "It seems appropriate to have modern dance
back on Main Beach."
The 2005 Dance Day featured a "white tutu" excerpt, as well as
modern dance and master classes.
Gallimaufry's new Artistic Director of Dance Division Jodie Gates
made her debut at the helm of caDance Day. Gates organized the
classes at Legion Hall and performances on Main Beach, which included
the White Swan pas de deux, danced by San Francisco Ballet's Tina
LeBlanc and Gonzalo Garcia.
"I am not associated with any school in Orange County," Gates
said. "I opened my arms to everyone."
Besides the two San Francisco principals, Gates snagged Backhaus
Dance, Donna Sternberg & Dancers, Capoeira Brasil, six Complexions
Dance Company members and multi-talented Desmond Richardson. Gates,
whose credentials include principal roles with Joffrey and
Pennsylvania ballet companies and soloist with Frankfurt Ballet, also
performed Saturday.
The performances were a sampling of the 10-day festival that
Gallimaufry plans to present in October. Gates' 20-year international
dance career, in association with some of the world's best companies
and choreographers, gives her entree to quality performers.
"You have the makings for something really great here," Richardson
said. "Spread the word."
Richardson thanked patrons for opening their homes and their
hearts to Laguna and he thanked Gates for bringing the dancers to
Laguna.
The festival is Gates' vision for Laguna, where she now makes her
home.
"This idea of a nine-day festival is doable," said Gallimaufry
Vice President Steve Josephson, who grew up in Laguna. "We have all
the components, but we need a network of involved people to help with
sponsors."
Josephson said he founded Gallimaufry to put performing arts on
par with the visual arts in Laguna.
"In one year, we have produced 10 events," he said.
Performing arts has a long history in Laguna. Lyric Opera,
performed in the Irvine Bowl, was the cradle for Opera Pacific.
Ballet Pacifica was born and nurtured here. Doris Shields conducted
chorales at the festival and the Laguna Playhouse, where actors have
