Dance troupes to perform in Merced

A series of dance performances are planned in June as part of the 23rd annual Festival of Dance at Merced College.

The Merced College Theater will be home to the six different shows, which will feature ballet, tap, belly, jazz and Polynesian dance from local troupes between June 12 and June 27.

The festival is sponsored by the Dance Teacher’s Cooperative, a group of dance instructors in the Merced and Mariposa area that was formed in connection with Merced College Community Services more than 20 years ago.

Proceeds from the summer festival, as well as Dance Kaleidoscope in the spring, are placed in a fund that generates scholarships. Those benefit dance students entering Merced College, and Merced College dance students who transfer to a four-year college.

Proceeds from the dance activities are also used for theater equipment and other improvements. Over the years, the Dance Teachers’ Cooperative has paid for light and sound upgrades, a dance floor and lobby upgrades, among other projects, according to a news release.

All six performances are open to the public. Tickets for Merced Academy of Dance, the first performance, are $18 for general admission and $15 for students, seniors, veterans and children.

The other five shows are $10.50 for general admission, and $8.50 for students, seniors, veterans and children.

Tickets are available at Peraino’s, Gottschalk’s Music, Maciel & Co., Merced College Bookstore, Merced College Community Services and Merced College’s box office.

Tickets for the Mariposa Academy of Performing Arts performance will also be available at the Mariposa County Arts Council office.

Remaining tickets can also be purchased at the theater box office one hour prior to each performance.

For additional information, contact Merced College Community Services at (209) 384-6224.

This story was originally published May 27, 2015 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Dance troupes to perform in Merced."