STILL ON THEIR TOES

Y.A.C.B, celebrates its 30th season

The Young Artists’ Community Ballet Academy of Dance has embarked on it’s 30th season in Southern Arizona.

Founded by Lisa Baker DiGiacomo, who serves as the company’s artistic director, this prestigious dance school has trained many of the area’s most promising dancers and has instilled the love of dance for many young people and the community as well.

The dance school is housed at the Old Continental School off White House Canyon Road in the Green Valley.

“It’s a wonderful building that has lent itself to help educate many, many dancers throughout our communities,” DiGiacomo says. “I have, and still do, feel so honored and privileged to be here, working and training dancers in the capacity that I do.”

“Our program is a well-rounded dance program, with a professional curriculum in the areas of ballet, pointe, character, jazz, tap and hip hop,” she adds. “Over the years we have had so many wonderful professional guest instructors, workshops and teacher training programs.”

DiGiacomo says her dancers have enjoyed performance and demonstration opportunities in the local schools, at assisted living and retirement homes, at the University of Arizona and an appearance on Channel 9 television station.

“It has been a true joy watching this fabulous program develop and grow,” she adds. “My dear mother, Betty Baker was very instrumental in the success of this program and stood by me every inch of the way with love and support. She really helped me reach a dream come true.”

DiGiacomo also praises her husband Guy for his involvement in the dance academy. He serves as the group’s public relations manager, as well as works behind stage during performances with the backstage crew.

“Guy is right there beside me, so we have a lot of fun, especially knowing the impact that dance can make on a person’s life.” DiGiacomo says. “The local support over the years has been fantastic. I feel so lucky to be a part of this community. We have had terrific families contribute so much of their time and expertise to this program and, of course, our great dancers are tops.”

DiGiacomo credits her own dance teachers and her own experiences over the years.

“I hope I can give to my students the skill, knowledge and passion they instilled in me,” she says.

DiGiacomo says she started the dance academy in order to provide area children with the understanding, love for, and development of dance skills.

“As a result of the strong interest and the need of the art of dance, our local state-recognized ballet company, Ballet Continental, came into existence,” DiGiacomo says. “Ballet Continental has performed many classical, modern and romantic ballets in the past 23 years and has performed in cities and communities from Phoenix and Tucson, to Sahuarita, Rio Rico and Nogales, as well as Green Valley.

DiGiacomo began her own dance training at the age 6 in Fort Worth, Texas. She has studied and danced with the Houston Civic Ballet, the Beaumont Civic Ballet and the Royal Ballet in London, England.

It was in London that DiGiacomo had the opportunity to work with the ballet great, Rudolf Nureyev.

In 1985, she traveled with an American team to Moscow, where she spent three weeks at the 1985 International Ballet Competition at the Bolshoi Theatre --— a highlight in her career.

In 1996, DiGiacomo received “The Most Distinguished Artist Award” from the Greater Green Valley Arts Council, based on her many years of “continued commitment and service to area communities and for the cultural development for the youth and dancers throughout Southern Arizona.”

“The world of dance is a charmed place,” DiGiacomo says. “Dance gets deep into the soul and touches emotions in a very special way! It not only teaches skill and technique, but provides the dancer with a great understanding of commitment, discipline, beauty ... it digs deep inside the dancers’ souls and lets them learn who they are and what they can become and what they can possibly contribute to life and society.”

DiGiacomo invites the public to see her latest ballet production, “Don Quixote,: which will be presented Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. at Sahuarita Auditorium, 350 W. Sahuarita Road. Tickets are on sale locally at American Hair Family Cutters, Bank of America, The Book Shop, Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce, Two Girls Pizzeria, Y.A.C.B. Academy of Dance, 1100 White House Canyon Road, and at Jazz Skins in Tucson.

Call 326-7887 for more information.

rford@gvnews.com