A hardy group of Eskimo emulators met in the Professional Development Center at the James A. Garfield Elementary School for the January 17, 2019 meeting of the Twentieth Century Club of Garrettsville. In a reference to the upcoming program for the evening, the roll call was answered by naming what kind of dancer each of the various members would like to be…in another life perhaps. Flamenco, ballroom, salsa, clogging, tap, hip-hop, Irish step dance and Argentine tango all took a brief turn in the spotlight.
It was announced that Leah Schultz would serve as the M.C. for the program on Guest Night, February 21 in the Garrettsville United Methodist Church. All members were reminded of their participation in the event and that they should notify the hospitality committee of the number of guests they will be bringing.
Two new members, Shelley Gordon and Marlene Szabaga were welcomed into the group. The program for the evening was presented by Karen Ziarko, who outlined the career and accomplishments of Misty Copeland, dancer, recognized by Time Magazine as a
“mover-and-shaker”, and the first African-American female principal dancer in a major ballet company (American Ballet Theatre). Discovered at age thirteen, Ms Copeland came from an inauspicious background and circumstances and rose at a meteoric pace from a drill team and a Boys & Girls Club dance class to winning a national ballet competition at 14, after having gone “on point” after only three months of instruction. Physical challenges and contention between her family situations had to be overcome, and they were. She changed the perception of body image in dance and resolved issues of anorexia through the support of friends..one of whom she later married. The video accompanying the program illustrated the the flexibility, strength and artistry embodied by Misty Copelan’ds “I Can “ message found in the quote printed in the program notes, “Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.”
Refreshments were served and enjoyed. Next meeting is at the home of Maureen See on February 7.
