Lockport, Illinois Jan 4, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Relevé Dance Company, the renowned competitive and recreational dance studio, is celebrating an incredible 2023-2024 season, marked by exceptional artistic achievements, industry recognition, and a string of prestigious awards. A two-time winner of the ADCC (The Association of Dance Competitions & Conventions) Studio of Excellence Award, Relevé Dance Company has proven itself a leader in the dance world, captivating audiences and critics alike with its bold performances, innovative choreography, and dedication to excellence. As the company enters its third season of groundbreaking performances and prepares to launch Season 4, Relevé Dance Company continues to build on its legacy of artistic achievement and commitment to the future of dance. A Year of Triumph: 2023-2024 Season Recap Relevé Dance Companys 2023 season was a banner year, marked by a series of performances that pushed the boundaries of competitive dance. From emotional performances to 1st overall placements, the companys technical prowess and emotive storytelling resonated with audiences all over the Midwest. A particular highlight of the year was Relevés triumphant return to nationals after a challenging season, marking the companys resilience and commitment to its craft. "Our 2023 season has been nothing short of transformative for us as a company," said Studio Director Kelly Brannan. "Weve not only grown as performers, but weve also deepened our connection with the dance community and our audience. We couldnt be prouder of what weve accomplished, and its all thanks to the incredible talent, passion, and dedication of our dancers, families, choreographers, and teachers." The season also saw the introduction of several new choreographic works, with an emphasis on both traditional and modern dance techniques. Collaborations with leading choreographers, as well as emerging voices in the dance world, have given the company a fresh and innovative edge. In addition to its captivating performances, Relevé Dance Company's outreach efforts were also a major focus of the 2023-2024 season. The company expanded its educational programs, offering workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship to young dancers across Illinois. Relevés commitment to fostering new talent in the arts is a core part of its mission, and the positive impact of these initiatives has been widely felt. Two-Time ADCC Award Winner: A Double Achievement Relevé Dance Company has cemented its status as one of the most prestigious dance companies in the industry by winning the highly coveted ADCC Studio of Excellence Award for two consecutive years. Recognized for their excellence in choreography, performance, and innovation, Relevé's back-to-back wins have placed the company among the elite in the competitive dance world. The ADCC Studio of Excellence Award, which celebrates artistic vision, creative excellence, and the advancement of dance in all its forms, have long been considered a gold standard in the dance industry. The companys dual victories of this award not only acknowledges the individual talents of the dancers but also the extraordinary leadership and vision of its artistic direction. Winning the ADCC Award twice in a row is a profound honor, said Kelly Brannan. It reflects the tireless work of every member of Relevé Dance Company. Weve built a team of incredibly gifted and dedicated dancers and teachers who continue to inspire and challenge each other, and this recognition is the result of their passion and commitment. As the only dance company in Chicago's south suburbs to win the ADCC Award in two consecutive years, Relevé has solidified its place at the forefront of the competitive dance scene. Kicking Off Season 3: Fresh Energy, New Challenges, and Bigger Ambitions Relevé Dance Company is poised to make even more waves in 2024 as it kicks off its third season with a fresh sense of excitement and energy. The new season promises to feature even more daring choreography, innovative partnerships, and a deeper exploration of diverse dance styles. The company has already announced a series of highly anticipated performances that will bring the art of dance to new audiences across Illinois. Weve been inspired by the journey weve taken as a company, and were ready to embrace the new challenges and opportunities that Season 3 will bring, said Director Kelly Brannan. Our dancers are more technically proficient than ever, and theyre excited to work on new pieces that will continue to push the boundaries of our artistic expression. Were thrilled to share these new works with our audiences and to take our performances to new heights. Season 3 will feature several premieres, including new works by Katie Scuderi, as well as returning fan favorites, Emily Kirkolis and Dorothy Koltas. The company has also teased collaborations with other prominent dance companies and artists, which will bring a unique and dynamic element to the upcoming season. As always, Relevé remains committed to accessibility, launching the Relevé Dance Company Booster Club in October of 2023. The company is deeply invested in making dance more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that dancers of all backgrounds and demographics can experience the magic of dancing competitively. Preparing for Season 4: Bold New Horizons Looking ahead, Relevé Dance Company is already hard at work preparing for Season 4, which promises to be the companys most ambitious season yet. Building on the successes of its earlier seasons, Relevé plans to debut several new competitive pieces, highlighting both the depth of the companys creative vision and the vast talent of its dancers. Among the highlights of Season 4 will be an expanded class offering for recreational dancers, as well as added electives for the competitive dancers. Audiences in the Midwest will have the chance to experience the companys acclaimed work, broadening its reach and sharing its artistic vision statewide. The excitement around Season 4 is palpable, said Kelly Brannan. We are taking the company to places weve never been before, both in terms of performance and artistic direction. Well be exploring new collaborations with new artists, and were looking forward to connecting with audiences around the industry. Relevé's focus on innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in dance will be the hallmark of Season 4. New technologies, multimedia elements, and cutting-edge choreography are just a few of the surprises that the company has in store. Additionally, Season 4 will see the company expand its recreational and competitive programs, continuing its mission to cultivate the next generation of dancers and artists. A Bright Future Ahead As Relevé Dance Company continues to break barriers, both artistically and in terms of industry recognition, its success in 2023-2024 serves as a testament to the companys unwavering dedication to its craft. With a two-time ADCC Studio of Excellence Award win, an exciting Season 3 ahead, and an ambitious vision for Season 4, Relevé Dance Company is ready for even greater success in the years to come. For more information about Relevé Dance Companys upcoming season and performances, visit RiseWithReleve.com or follow the company on social media at @TeamReleve About Relevé Dance Company Relevé Dance Company is a leading competitive dance company known for its innovative performances, world-class choreography, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of dance. Founded in 2022, the company has quickly risen to prominence in the dance world, earning numerous awards and accolades for its technical skill, artistic vision, and dedication to excellence. With a focus on both performance and education, Relevé strives to make the art of dance accessible to dancers of all ages and backgrounds. For program inquiries, please contact:Kelly BrannanOwner/DirectorRelevé Dance CompanyPhone: (815)-660-6988Email: questions@risewithreleve.comWebsite: risewithreleve.comSocial Media: https://www.instagram.com/teamrelevehttps://www.facebook.com/RisewithReleveMedia ContactReleve Dance Companyquestions@risewithreleve.com(815)-660-698816610 W 159th Street Unit 100 Lockport IL, 60441http://risewithreleve.com Source :Releve Dance CompanyThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
Portland, Oregon Jan 7, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - As the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund marks over three decades of transforming the political landscape, Terry Bean, one of its co-founders, reflects on the groundbreaking organizations legacy and the strides made in LGBTQ+ representation in public office. The Victory Funds journey is a testament to the power of collective action and determination to ensure that LGBTQ+ voices are heard in the corridors of power. Since its founding in 1991, the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has supported thousands of LGBTQ+ candidates, helping to elect over 1,600 individuals to public office across the United States. For Terry Bean, the organizations achievements underscore the importance of representation, not just for policy change but for inspiring a new generation to see themselves as leaders. The Genesis of the Victory Fund The early 1990s was a period of intense challenges and limited visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. While activism had led to some progress in civil rights, political representation remained sparse. Terry Bean and a group of like-minded advocates recognized the urgent need for systemic change. They envisioned an organization that would not only support LGBTQ+ candidates but also challenge the barriers that kept them from running for office in the first place. When we started the Victory Fund, LGBTQ+ individuals were vastly underrepresented in public office, Bean recalled. We knew that having a seat at the table was essential to ensuring our voices were heard and our rights protected. The Victory Fund was groundbreaking in its approach. It provided financial support, strategic training, and a network of resources to help LGBTQ+ candidates overcome the unique challenges they faced, from prejudice in the media to discriminatory policies that discouraged them from running. Building a Legacy of Representation The Victory Funds first major victory came in 1991 with the election of Sherry Harris to the Seattle City Council, making her the first openly LGBTQ+ Black woman elected to public office in the United States. This historic win set the tone for the organizations mission: breaking barriers and making history. Over the years, the Victory Fund has supported trailblazers like Tammy Baldwin, the first openly LGBTQ+ woman elected to both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, and Pete Buttigieg, who became the first openly gay presidential candidate to gain significant traction in a major party primary. Every candidate weve supported has contributed to a larger movement, Bean said. Their victories represent more than personal achievementsthey signify a shift in societal attitudes and a step forward for equality. Challenges and Triumphs Reflecting on the early days of the Victory Fund, Bean acknowledges the immense challenges the organization faced. LGBTQ+ candidates often encountered hostility from voters, skepticism from potential donors, and a lack of institutional support. There were moments when it felt like an uphill battle, Bean admitted. But we knew that every effort we made, no matter how small it seemed, was part of a larger fight for justice and equality. The organizations success was not just due to its funding and training but also its ability to build coalitions and foster allyship. Bean emphasizes the importance of allies in advancing LGBTQ+ representation, both in politics and beyond. The Ripple Effect of Representation For Bean, the impact of the Victory Fund extends far beyond the candidates it has helped elect. He believes that representation has a profound ripple effect, inspiring countless others to pursue leadership roles and challenge societal norms. When LGBTQ+ individuals see people like them in positions of power, it sends a powerful message: You belong here, Bean said. Representation isnt just about policyits about validation and hope. The organizations work has also highlighted the importance of intersectionality in politics. By supporting candidates from diverse backgrounds, the Victory Fund has ensured that the LGBTQ+ movement reflects the full spectrum of experiences within the community. A Look at Todays Challenges While the Victory Fund has achieved remarkable progress, Bean is quick to point out that challenges remain. Across the country, LGBTQ+ rights are under threat, with legislation targeting transgender individuals and attempts to roll back protections for the community. In many ways, the fight is as urgent as ever, Bean said. We need more LGBTQ+ voices in public office to counter these attacks and advocate for policies that protect and uplift our community. Bean also highlights the importance of addressing barriers that still exist for LGBTQ+ candidates, particularly in rural areas and conservative regions. He calls on the next generation of activists and leaders to continue pushing for a more inclusive political system. The Future of LGBTQ+ Representation Looking to the future, Bean envisions a world where LGBTQ+ representation in politics is no longer a groundbreaking achievement but an expectation. He hopes to see the Victory Fund continue to grow, supporting not just candidates but also initiatives that empower LGBTQ+ individuals to engage with the political process at every level. The ultimate goal is normalization, Bean said. We want to reach a point where an LGBTQ+ candidates sexual orientation or gender identity is just one part of who they arenot the defining factor of their candidacy. Bean is particularly optimistic about the younger generation, whom he sees as more accepting and inclusive than any before them. He believes their energy and passion will drive the movement forward, building on the foundation laid by the Victory Fund and its allies. Celebrating Three Decades of Change As the Victory Fund celebrates over 30 years of empowering LGBTQ+ voices, Bean reflects on the organizations achievements with pride and gratitude. From its humble beginnings to its role as a leading force for equality, the Victory Fund has shown that representation matters and that change is possible. Weve come so far, but theres still work to do, Bean said. Im incredibly proud of what weve accomplished, and Im excited to see where the next 30 years will take us. About Terry Bean Terry Bean is a pioneering civil rights advocate, accomplished political strategist, and leading voice in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Based in Portland, Oregon, he has co-founded organizations that have reshaped the landscape of equality in America, including the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. A lifelong advocate for inclusivity, Bean continues to inspire and empower through his dedication to equality. To learn more visit: https://www.terry-bean.com/Media ContactMarket Newsmarketnews@mail.com Source :Terry BeanThis article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.