By Mark Ambrogi
Dance Kaleidoscope officials hope Diva Fever is catching.
The Diva Fever Gala will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. April 1 at The Westin Indianapolis, 241 W. Washington St. The theme was inspired by the Dance Kaleidoscope’s recent show centered on musical divas.
“We want to make sure that it continues with what is always said of our parties, that we’re the best party in town,” said DK marketing director Paul Hansen.
Hansen said the funding need is to raise $30,000 toward guest choreographer Stephanie Martinez, who is coming from Chicago for DK’s June 1 to 4 show, “Dance is a Contact Sport.”
Prior to the gala dinner, the DK dancers will perform three songs from the Divas concert.
Indianapolis artist Rita Spalding will paint a still live oil painting during the cocktail hour. That painting will be auctioned off during the cocktail hour. There will be a silent auction as well as the live auction.
After dinner, the Bill Myers Ensemble will perform live jazz music. Indianapolis vocalists Brenda Williams and Sarah Lomax will perform with Myers.
“Bill has done our galas for the last few years,” Hansen said. “It’s a challenge because when you think of diva music you think of specific divas and their renditions of songs that are arranged for them and what their voices do naturally. So not everyone can sing those. He’s worked hard in putting together a larger combo than he normally does and they are making arrangements of several diva songs.”
Actors Theatre of Indiana co-founders Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins will dress as Edina and Patsy from “Absolutely Fabulous” during the cocktail hour.
“They are outrageous over-the-top characters and so are Judy and Cynthia so that will add another layer of fun before we get into the ballroom,” Hansen said.
Individual gala tickets are $150. There are tables and sponsorships available.
Following the gala weekend, there will performances from DK & Friends April 6 to 9 at Indiana Repertory Theatre.
For more, visit dancekal.org.
