Dance & Performance Art

originally published August 8, 2008

Canopy Studio stages several unique performances each year utilizing the talents of their own repertory group, students and some touring artists. In addition to hosting productions and performances, Canopy features its own “aerial cabarets" and multi-media trapeze performances. Classes for kids and adults are also offered. All shows are at the Studio, 160 Tracy St. Tickets: 706-549-8501. www.canopystudio.com.

Dedicated to the performance of a multitude of dance styles, but with a focus on jazz, DanceFX has been one of the leading forces of cutting-edge dance in Athens for several years. Their performances are held at DanceFX’s studio on N. Milledge and at other venues around town. Reservations: 706-355-3078. www.dancefx.org.

Founded in 1974, UGA’s unaffiliated Pamoja Dance Company for non-dance majors and members of the community continues to bring entertaining works, both original and reinterpreted, to stages around town. Performances include interpretations of a variety of dance forms. Shows are usually held at the Morton Theatre. Information: 706-583-0271.

The University of Georgia Department of Dance hosts several resident companies: UGA's CORE Concert Dance Company includes modern, post-modern and theatrical work, but also features regular contributions from other artistic disciplines. The UGA Ballroom Performance Group, UGA Ballet Ensemble and UGA Concert Dance Company perform throughout the academic year. The Young Choreographers Series fosters the work of aspiring student choreographers. Most performances take place at the UGA Fine Arts Theatre and the New Dance Theatre. www.coe.uga.edu/dance.

The Warehouse Collective's offerings are usually collaborations/multimedia projects with other dance companies, theatre troupes, filmmakers and visual artists hailing from Athens and elsewhere, such as Atlanta's Coriolis Dance Incorporated. Shows and classes are usually at Floorspace, 160 Tracy St. www.floorspaceathens.com.

Classic City Venues

In downtown Athens, the Classic Center is the largest local venue in which to catch a wide variety of touring arts and cultural events. Its grandly-apportioned 2100-seat theater features state-of-the-art technology and acoustics. The Classic Center’s season always includes several touring productions of Broadway musical hits and special events like The Robert Osborne Classic Film Festival every March. Tickets: 706-357-4444. www.classiccenter.com.

Built in 1909–10, the Morton Theatre is Athens' most historically significant venue, as it is the only extant theatre from the early 20th-century. Originally built, owned and operated by African-American, Monroe "Pink" Morton, for vaudeville acts, the theatre now hosts performances by local and traveling companies. Local bands such as Dreams So Real, The B-52s and R.E.M. have also used the building for filming music videos, and the Morton is the home of the annual Flagpole Athens Music Awards show. Seating capacity: 548. Tickets: 706-613-3771. www.mortontheatre.com.