The remodeled dance studio has been in use since the start of fall classes a few weeks ago.
During the Orcas Center’s “Role Out” on Sept. 28, donors and volunteers attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the space, which has a marley dance floor, mirrors, bathrooms and a water station. Attendees were also treated to a Brazilian-themed dance performance by young members of the Dance Collective.
The studio is located on the far end of Orcas Center’s warehouse. Efforts to convert half of the building for dance began in 2017 and were delayed by COVID and the permitting process. At the end of this summer, construction was finally completed, and dozens of island dancers have been utilizing the studio.
Joe Cohen and Martha Farish, along with Carl and Helen de Boor, were major donors for the project, which totaled around $300,000. Cohen said he was inspired after seeing a performance of the youngest members of the Dance Collective.
“We saw the incredible confidence in the eyes of the dancers, and we were sold on the idea,” he said.
Other groups and individuals who contributed to the project include the Orcas Dance Collective, Island Inspiration All Stars, Dane Steck, Dimitri Stankevich, Paula Capitano, Ben Luna, Bruce Halabisky, Tom Fiscus, Mark Padbury, The Give Orcas campaign, Building for the Arts from the State of Washington, Parks and Rec, the staff of Orcas Center and parents of the many children who utilize local dance programming.
“We are all riding on the coattails of the people who brought dance to this island,” said instructor Tiffany Loney, in a nod to Pat Littlewood and Jean Henigson, who were both in attendance.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the crowd took a look at the center’s new solar panels and then made their way to the main stage, where they heard about the upcoming season at the Orcas Center. The calendar includes the Magical Mystery Tour show, Grease, live bands and more.
Artistic Executive Director Jake Perrine honored volunteers who have been integral to the organization.
“Committed Beyond Absurdity”: Tiffany Loney
“My OCD has many practical applications”: Dorrie Braun
“Putting the Weird in Fun, and the Fun in Weird”: Jamey Moriarty
“Professional Cat Herder”: Emily Youngren
“Chaos Coordinator”: Miramonee Darling
“I can fix that!”: Evan Jacobson
“First in, Last out”: Anita Holladay
“Grace under pressure”: Linda Ellsworth
“Prince of Projections”: Tom McDonough
Colleen Smith Summers photo. Left to right: Dorrie Braun, Evan Jacobsen, Jamey Moriarty, Jem Youngren (accepting for their mom Emily), Miramonee Darling, Tiffany Loney, Linda Ellsworth and Tom McDonough.
