Dance Project Artistic Director Jackie Collins, center, makes her directorial debut with creative assistance from master teachers Susie Dodge (right) and Katherine Lindsay (left). Garden City Dance Project is busy rehearsing for its annual gala performance on May 20-21. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Jacqueline Collins, the 40-member performing ensemble is preparing to wow audiences with its eclectic mix of music and dance styles. The performance will showcase the girls' dance talents in ballet, modern and jazz in original choreography set to music ranging from Duke Ellington to U2. Also this year, the group will dance to choreography especially created for Dance Project by The Pierces.

This is Dance Project's second exciting year as an independent not-for-profit dance company and its eleventh year as a performing ensemble, previously with town recreation. Founded by Jean Philippou, who continues to choreograph and teach, the dance company is now headed by New York City Rockette and professional dancer Jacqueline Collins and assisted by Susan Dodge, director of Dodge Dance Company and modern teacher at BOCES Cultural Arts Center. Katherine Lindsay, Dance Project and Georgetown University dance ensemble alumna, also provided professional instruction in ballet and Pointe while Jen Gigante, former director, who is finishing her final year of training as a physician's assistant, helped to restage choreography.

Because Adelphi's Olmsted Theatre is closed for renovation, the show will be held in the spacious Inez Norman Spiers Theatre at Garden City High School, augmented by a professional lighting team. Watch for more information about ticket sales in early May in The Garden City News. To contact Dance Project about show tickets, new member audition, the Training Core! conservatory program, or summer programs, e-mail the company at:communitydanceproject@yahoo.com.