'Global Spice' celebrates world of dance

The Aegela Dance Troupe, from left: Deb Wilson-Bard of Petersburg, Mich., Tina Heebsh of Toledo, Kendra Scarlavai of Rossford, Carrie Conrad-Cannon of Sylvania, Cheryl Johnson of Holland, Sandi Anderson of Toledo, and Laura Hansen of Holland.

Aegela exchanged her accounting career for her Middle Eastern dance passion more than 30 years ago and Saturday Aegela Dance Company along with guest artists will share worldwide music and dance during Global Spice.

Folkloric to traditional dances from Turkey, Egypt, West Africa, and India will be performed in solo and group choreographies from Aegela Dance, Alma Dance, and AHA Dance companies. Recorded music and live drum performances will accompany the dancers.

Women in Aegela Dance range from "about 25 to don't ask," Aegela said. "The ladies come from a wide range of backgrounds, some have never danced a note; it's really about a positive spirit," said Aegela, whose Greek named loosely translated means "maker of illusions."

"I've taught judges, probation officers, librarians... there's no age limit there's no particular body type. The way you are is perfect. You don't need an exercise mat or exercise equipment. You have all the equipment you need when you walk in the door."

Dance is more about self worth, love, and acceptance than mastering technique, Aegela said. "I tell them the first night, 'If you don't learn to dance I will be disappointed but it's really about learning to like that person you see looking back at you in the mirror. In the Middle East the most popular dancers are performing in the mid-70s. They appreciate mature women and rounded figures. It's not about a body image; it's about a spirit."

'Global Spice' will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday at Valleywood Golf Club,13501 Airport Highway, Swanton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Information: 517-918-9457.

65th Season

HURON, Ohio - The Huron Playhouse returns for its 65th season this weekend with Dorothy, Scarecrow, and Toto in The Wizard of Oz.

This Frank L. Baum classic for all ages translates well on stage with flying monkeys, good and evil witches, Munchkins, and a band of friends traveling the yellow brick road.

'The Wizard of Oz' will be performed at 8 p.m. Tuesday through June 29 at McCormick School, 325 Ohio St., Huron, Ohio. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and $12 for children ages 12 and younger. Information: 419-433-4744 or huronplayhouse.org.

War of 1812

MONROE - The River Raisin Centre for the Arts will transport theater goers to the War of 1812 Saturday during Echoes of War sponsored by the Monroe County Historical Society.

Visual and performing arts combine to bring life to the trials, sacrifices, bravery, and emotions of those protecting freedom and celebrating Monroe's role in this war. The performing artists from this area and Kentucky will give life to the poetry and letters written during the War of 1812 through movement, song, and music.

'Echoes of War' will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday at River Raisin Centre for the Arts, Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Information: 734-242-7722 or riverraisincentre.org.

Multicolor Coat

Perrysburg Musical Theatre today will open the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

A cast of children and adults will bring to life the biblical story of Joseph who was loved by his father, betrayed by his brothers, and sold into slavery.

'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' will be performed at 7 p.m. today, Friday, and Saturday with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday in Perrysburg High School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Information: 419-470-9016 or perrysburgmusicaltheatre.org.

New director

SANDUSKY - David L. Taylor has recently been named The Sandusky State Theatre's executive director.

The Illinois native was formerly the general manager of the Majestic Theatre in Dallas and was the director of the McKinney (Texas) Performing Arts Center. Taylor has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois-Springfield and is a member of several arts organizations. 

He replaces Thomas Kazmierczak, III, who now is the executive director of Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, NY.

Please send theater items at least two weeks in advance to jnjaim@theblade.com.