THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 2, 1995 TAG: 9503310289
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARLENE FORD, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
It's spring and time to kick up your heels.
That's ``kick'' in the style of the Broadway chorus line, according to Denise Doucette, local dancer, teacher and choreographer. If Doucette has it her way, on April 29 there will 800 pairs of stepping, strutting legs along one mile of oceanfront Boardwalk - all to celebrate National Dance Week, and just maybe to earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
``If you can kick a leg, then come,'' Doucette invited. ``Dancers, students, people who always wanted to be in a chorus line, anyone who just wants to come for the fun can join.''
Participation in the milelong chorus line is free and open to the public. T-shirts that say ``Kick and be Counted. Put it on the Line for Dance'' will be provided. The rest of the chorus costume should include black or blue shorts or skirts and white sneakers.
The immediate goal of this event is to bring attention to National Dance Week and more locally dance in southeastern Virginia. Sponsored by the United Dance Merchants of America and coordinated by the Coalition for National Dance Week, a variety of ``consciousness raising'' activities are scheduled around the country during the week of April 26 through May 2.
``Lots of dance concerts will be given in public places. Studios are inviting the public to come and observe classes,'' Doucette said. ``One school in Pennsylvania is even offering a year of free dance lessons for every local child born during dance week. That's, of course, when they're old enough to do more than just kick.''
Gov. George Allen is proclaiming April 26 through May 2 Virginia Dance Week and Doucette invited him to join in.
``I thought making this an event for the Guinness Book of World Records would create even more awareness of dance as an art, an exercise and a recreation,'' Doucette said. ``There are records for tap dancing, speed, long distance dancing, but no jazz, chorus line or ballet records. I'm working now to make certain we document this in accordance with Guinness.''
The Virginia Beach dancer has participated in New York City's annual ``Tap-a-Mania.'' This year she tapped into the book of records along with 6,250 other rhythmic steppers in the world's largest tap dance troupe.
To cover T-shirt and sound system expenses for the Boardwalk chorus line, Doucette estimates about $3,000 is needed.
For information about joining the line or helping to sponsor the event, call 471-1912. MEMO: WHEN AND WHERE
The ``Mile-long-Chorus Line,'' to celebrate National Dance Week;
Boardwalk from 5th to 19th streets; April 29; registration 10 a.m. to
noon; high kicking begins at 12:30 p.m. Free. To pre-register, call
471-1912 and leave name, number of dancers and phone number. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by MARLENE FORD
`If you can kick a leg, then come,'' says Denise Doucette, a local
dancer, teacher and choreographer who will lead the one-mile dance
along the Boardwalk.
by CNB