PRESS RELEASE Thursday, February 12, 2004
CRYSTAL ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA GALA
Hollywood, Florida The Arts Academy of Hollywood will be holding their Grand Opening Gala on 20th Street and Harrison Street in downtown historic Hollywood. For the gala event the street will be closed for a block party to celebrate the new performing arts conservatory, which started classes on February 11th, 2004. The celebration will be in conjunction with the new ground breaking ceremony for the $10M renovation for Young Circle to become the new Arts Park - leaping into the Future - Arts Town in Our Town.
On Sunday, February 29th from12pm to 4pm the Gala celebration begins with a full afternoon of Carnival style entertainment for children. There will be several staging areas for performers to entertain with dance, song, martial arts demos, fencing demo's, Capoeira demos and acting performances done mainly by and for children. There will also be floats, costumes, bead tents, clowns, stilt walkers, drummers, magicians, storytellers, face painters, tours, puppeteers, and many other fun activities both inside and outside for children and teens.
After the Children’s Carnival, the Adult Gala Celebration begins at 6:00pm with ribbon cutting with the Mayor of Hollywood. The block party continues in the street with a FREE reception from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, featuring several bands performing at 3 staging areas.
"Sacha" - an enchanting musical love story for the entire family, written by Miami Vice Star Philip Michael Thomas and Sandi Morais, will be performed in its edited version during the reception. Sacha's strong cast of very talented performers has been playing to rave reviews and sold out audiences in Florida and Virginia.
As part of the reception there are 21 local Hollywood restaurants involved in donating wonderful cuisines to the FREE community event. These restaurants are: Italian - Mama Mia, Piazza Pasta, Primanote, Conca Díoro; Caribbean - Calabash, Empenadaís Only; Continental - Universe Cafe, Tavern Opa, My Favorite Deli; Latin American - Cancun Mexican Grill, Argentango; Asian - Try My Thai, Sushi Blue & the Blue Monk Lounge, Sushi Jazz, Nakorn, Christina Wanís Mandarin House; Desert - Chocolada Bakery, Crocante Bakery, Amazing Chocolates. Creame photographers will be documenting the entire event and pictures will be available for sale afterwards.
The Cabaret performance starts at 8pm in the in-house theatre. VIP tickets will be given for the limited-seating theatre. The multicultural cabaret features local professional-rated entertainers whose main focal point is to inspire and encourage its audience through arts entertainment, with a variety of styles including: ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, salsa, Pas de Duex - Adagio, Capoeira, African Dance, belly dancing, and a Fosse review. Jubilee Dance Theatre Co, headed by ex-Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre dancer, Luctricia Welters, will also be performing. Miami’s renowned performing arts school -New World School of the Arts --is also providing a piece from their college student choreography in the show. This event will be infused with imagery, energy and passion. A creation that is visually appeasing to all. The evening ends with live musical entertainment.
The Arts Academy's future is taking flight, setting a new standard of arts performances in the South Florida area, by creating an outlet for artistic expression, through dance, art, musical instruments, singing and acting with the mind, body and soul. The Arts Academy's goal is not only to teach the arts, but also to impart holistic information for well-rounded growth and long-term benefits for children and adults. For the total child, the arts facility incorporates academic, social, emotional and physical experiences.
The conservatory opened in February with classes in dance, musical instruments, voice, and acting: With special programs in the Exploring Arts for pre-school, and S.T.A.R. Program for After-School children. The Arts Academy also contains an in-house professional recording studio, a massage room, 100-seat theatre, juice bar cafe and a dancewear boutique. At the Grand Opening, tours of the 12,000 sq foot facility will be available. Formerly a gym, Club Body Tech, the renovated building has been completely customized as a performing arts education center for all ages.
The Arts Academy of Hollywood was founded as the Academy of Dance in June 1993, under the direction of Linda Strutz, whose vision was the vital growth for holistic development of the children, helping them to develop the essential senses (including kinesthetic, intellectual, emotional, physical, creative and expressive acts.) Linda Strutz has been the Owner and Director of the Academy of Dance at 1921 Hollywood Blvd, downtown Hollywood for the last ten years. Recently lauded for her contribution to the Hollywood community, Linda Strutz recently displayed testimonials from the Mayor of Hollywood, City Manager, Community Redevelopment Agency Director, City of Hollywood Employees Park and Recreation, Cultural Affairs Dept., City Commissioners and Mint Real Estate company owner, among others, in the November issue of the Hollywood Gazette. She has continued to tirelessly serve both children and adults in her dedication to the arts by expanding from the Academy of Dance, into the Arts Academy of Hollywood, a full performing arts conservatory for ages 18-months to 80-something year old adults.
For more information contact:
Linda Strutz: (954) 923.1950 - academyofdance@earthlink.net
Nejila Innerarity: (954) 925.7138 - marketingwizard@earthlink.net