Center Stage Dance Studio presents an original dance film “The Road to Awe,” directed by 23-year-old local filmmaker Jesse Tunison, Saturday at the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo.
There are three screenings, at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The film features choreography, dancing and acting by students and instructors at Center Stage.
According to Center Stage Director Pier Sircello, the film “not only shows the talent of our East Hawaii youth, but also the beauty and uniqueness of Hilo.”
A trailer for the film on the website Vimeo.com mixes elements of dance, scenery, water and the streets of downtown Hilo.
“With every step we dance, we birth our future,” the trailer begins.
Sircello said in a written statement Center Stage “has been inspiring youth in East Hawaii to dream big, and do positive things with their after school time” since opening its doors on Kalakaua Street in downtown Hilo eight years ago, including working with Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences by providing them with dance electives for their and working with the Big Island Dance Counsel by mentoring students to teach hip-hop dance in the schools for BIDC’s school dance program.
She added Center Stage has helped about 15 former students to find employment teaching or dancing professionally and helping students earn full scholarships to dance programs at various mainland colleges and universities.
“Center Stage is very proud of the work it has done in East Hawaii …,” Sircello said.
Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 for keiki, senior citizens and college students, available at Basically Books and Center Stage and at the door.
For more info, call 990-7163.