It’s that time of year again when holiday music fills the air,
decorations abound everywhere, and young and old await the
traditional Downtown Gilroy Tree Lighting and arrival of Santa. I
visited Tracy Dalke’s Studio Three last week and couldn’t help but
get into the holiday spirit as her young dancers polished their
”
Rudolf
”
dance. Twirling and prancing, with an occasional jazz square,
they looked ready to perform at Saturday’s downtown
festivities.
It’s that time of year again when holiday music fills the air, decorations abound everywhere, and young and old await the traditional Downtown Gilroy Tree Lighting and arrival of Santa. I visited Tracy Dalke’s Studio Three last week and couldn’t help but get into the holiday spirit as her young dancers polished their “Rudolf” dance. Twirling and prancing, with an occasional jazz square, they looked ready to perform at Saturday’s downtown festivities.
Dalke has operated Studio Three in Gilroy for nine years, and has been at the Monterey Street location since 2007. She likes the convenient and safe location and feels that her personal touch, as well as that of her staff, makes her studio unique.
“You’re never too old or to young to dance,” said Dalke, who has students from pre-school to age 60. Her students will perform at the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce mixer at Gilroy Gardens on Dec. 9, and will entertain Gilroy Rotary and Pacific West Christian Academy at holiday events.
“(Dancing is) in my blood,” she said. “I love it. It satisfies my sense of creativity.” In the plans for Studio Three is a clothing boutique that will be open to anyone in need of dance wear and shoes.
Just a few blocks from Studio Three, at Monterey and Third streets, is Dabble Art Center, A Place for Art, owned by Sheryl Cathers. Cathers has taught a thriving visual arts program at St. Mary School for the past 13 years. On any given day you will see examples of unique student art adorning the halls of the school. Cathers is also responsible for the impressive paintings under the Luchessa and Third Street bridges. Her realistic depiction of a mountain lion resting on the bridge caused a local citizen to alert animal control.
At Dabble Art Center, Cathers teaches after school art in all mediums and at all levels for ages 5 and above. Busy parents take note, she also helps kids with school projects. For parents who need time away from the kids for some last minute holiday preparations, Dabble Art Center is offering kids art workshops at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 22. Cathers feels that “whether they realize it or not, everyone needs to express themselves creatively.” To that end, she will offer free art workshops for families beginning with the first Saturday in January.
Stop by the Gilroy Arts Alliance Christmas Boutique today and Saturday at the Interim Center for the Arts, Monterey at Seventh streets. You’ll not only be able to complete your holiday shopping, but you will support local artisans. From 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4, the Gilroy Arts Alliance Demonstration Garden will hold a Garden Holiday Craft party with crafts and foods. The Interim Center for the Arts is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 22.
Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Ave. in Morgan Hill, will be hosting the fifth annual “A Gaelic Christmas”, featuring Mary McLaughlin and her C’or Aingli (Angel Choir) of 25 experienced choral singers at 4 p.m. Dec. 12.
For art activities in the coming year, check the Gilroy Community Services Recreation Guide. Classes and events for all ages are listed in the guide and a special discounted online registration begins Dec. 6.
Beginning in January, Sandra Marlowe, Gilroy’s renowned jazz and blues vocalist, will offer 12-week vocal programs for beginning and intermediate students. Classes will be held Saturday at the Music Academy, 700 Church St. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/sandramarlowe.
And finally, thank you to Karen La Corte, outgoing president of the City of Gilroy Arts and Culture Commission, and Dia Hoshida, outgoing vice president. They have tirelessly and graciously guided the commission in paving the way for a thriving arts community in Gilroy. By recognizing the many resources in our city and setting goals to further develop art programs and activities, they have left a legacy that will live on into the future.
***
DECEMBER EVENTS
Gavilan Theater Arts “Peter and the Wolf & Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm”
Dec. 4 at 2 & 7 p.m.
Gavilan College, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., Gilroy
408-848-4860
Limelight Productions “Disney’s Mulan, Jr.”
Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., Dec. 11 at 4 & 7 p.m., Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.
Gavilan College Theatre, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., Gilroy
Pintello Comeday Theater “Bob’s Your Elf”
Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11 at 8 p.m.
8191 Swanston Lane, Gilroy
408-776-8002
South Valley Civic Theatre “Noises Off”
Dec. 3 , 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 5 & 12 at 2:30 p.m
Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Rd., Morgan Hill
408-842-SHOW
Gilroy and Christopher High Schools Holiday Choir Concert
Dec. 14 & 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Gilroy High School Cafeteria, Princevalle at 10th St.
South Valley Symphony and the Gavilan College Choir “Christmas Music for the entire family”
Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.
Gavilan College Theater, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., Gilroy
Downtown Gilroy Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Dec. 4, 2 – 7 p.m.
Parade route Fourth to Sixth streets on Monterey
Entertainment 2 – 5 p.m.
Holiday Booths 2 – 7 p.m.
Doggie Dress-up contest at 3:30 p.m.
Parade 5:30 p.m.
Tree lighting 6:30 p.m.
Pictures with Santa 7 p.m.
