More than two months after her untimely death on Feb. 11, the tributes to pop icon Whitney Houston continue to pour in from everywhere, from celebrities and fans to the latest Glee episode.
Shreveport’s own theater troupe, Extensions of Excellence Performing Arts Inc. will join in that number with its annual spiritual dance recital, “Dance His High Praise 5: The Anniversary” with the theme, “A Tribute to the Voice – Whitney Elizabeth Houston.”
Showtime is 7 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at The Strand Theatre. Tickets are $20.
Each year, “Dance His High Praise” celebrates the relationship between dance and spirituality.
“This recital features the quality art of modern dance, ballet, lyrical and liturgical dance with a spiritual tip,” explains Extensions of Excellence executive director Vincent Williams.
As always, the show will feature a special performance by the renowned Orchesis Dance Company from Grambling State University, directed by former Alvin Ailey dancer and choreographer Dianne Maroney-Grigsby.
Williams said the idea of honoring Houston came naturally. “Mrs. Maroney-Grigsby had already choreographed Whitney Houston’s hit single, ‘I Love the Lord.’ So after Houston passed away, we thought it would be befitting to dedicate the show to her,” Williams said.
Other performers include the Christian Dance Center, Louisiana Dance Theatre, Green Oaks Performing Arts Magnet and Sumthin Serious from Grambling State University.
And once again, they will award a deserving high school student with the Helen Horton Teacher Education and Performing Arts Scholarship, named after Williams’ late mother.
“It’s all about helping deserving students who would like to major in dance at Grambling State University,” Williams said.
