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Adult Beginner Dance Classes Offered Downtown

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Looking for an adult dance class that is truly for beginners? Well, look no further! Brittany Butler, a former professional ballerina with the Dayton Ballet, is offering a 6-week adult dance class for all ages and levels of dance with her business “Brittany Moves.” If you’ve wanted to dip your toe into dance – for the first time or as a refresher, this is your class.

This series will take place at The Brightside (905 E 3rd St) in the beautiful Upside Loft (upstairs). This series starts on Monday, April 18th, and runs each Monday through May 23rd, from 5:30-7pm. You can join at any time along the way!  

“We will begin with stretching to allow the kinks to loosen up and work themselves out. This 15-minute period will also work as a grace period for those who may need a few minutes after work, to get parked, changed, etc. Then we will focus on warming up the body by moving the muscles and joints – getting the heart rate up,” Butler explained.

‘Then we will learn some ballet,” Butler continues. “And we’ll end with some simple jazz combinations since jazz has many foundations in the creation of dance. You can take away these moves and practice on your own time. It’s a great feeling to be working in a group creating movement to the beat. Don’t sweat if you aren’t able to make each class – there is plenty of variety to cover week to week!”

Butler explained that regular workout clothing is fine to wear to these classes. Ballet attire is not required. 

HOW TO GO?

The Brightside (905 E 3rd St)

Upside Loft (upstairs).

This series starts on Monday, April 18th, and runs each Monday through May 23rd, from 5:30-7pm. (15 min grace period before doors lock)

Single classes are $15
4-week class package is $50
6-week class package for $72

Secure Your Spot Here: 👇
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-beginner-dance-class-tickets-315556346527

 

Venus Rising Spring Wellness Workshop

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Spring is around the corner! The Brightside is hosting a spring wellness reset, with an emphasis on recovering our spirits from the impact of the pandemic, and a tough winter. These have been stressful times! Participants will spend time soothing their spirit with sessions on Sound Healing, Somatic Trauma Resolution, Meditating from the heart, Yoga, Movement, Ayurveda, and more. It’s an afternoon of self-care that we all deserve!

SCHEDULE OF EVENT:

12:30pm – Doors Open / Mingle – Participants can take dosha quiz and enjoy tea

1pm – Welcome / Sound Bath Healing – 20 min

1:20pm – Somatic Trauma Resolution (help our nervous system recover from the pandemic) – 60 min

  • Includes: Lymph Drainage for Immunity and Allergy removal techniques for Self Care and Spring Renewal with Anjali Brannon from Ayurveda Natural Health Center (the Midwest’s premier full-service Ayurvedic & Holistic haven for wellness in Dayton, Ohio.

2:20pm – Self expression activity – 30 min

2:50pm – Gentle Yoga with Luna – 40 min

3:30pm – Heartfulness Meditation Intro & Cleaning – 40 min

4:10pm – Movement Class / DJ session – 40 min (with The Emissary of O.H.M Scorpius Max -he hails from The Frequency Music Complex. A conscientious society of music lovers who facilitate spiritual connections; forged by the listening ear and the dancing body.

How to Go?

Venus Rising Spring Wellness Workshop

Sunday, April 10th from 1pm – 5pm.  Doors open at 12:30pm

Brightside Music & Event Venue at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton – Note: This event is in the Upside Loft (stairs only available);

Limited availability space. Advanced registration is required! Please bring a yoga mat.

A portion of the proceeds benefits Dayton Heartfulness.

Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/venus-rising-spring-wellness-workshop-tickets-275638571387

Local musician Mike Bankhead releases new single “Hold the Wick”

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Talented local rock musician, Mike Bankhead, is releasing a new single this month called “Hold the Wick” with a whopping 7 remixes, all of which are in different genres/styles. He plans to release them all together digitally, with each remix accompanied by a music video. 

Mike Bankhead is a bassist and songwriter from the Dayton, Ohio area. His songs feature crunchy guitar, occasional dissonance, and love of hooks.

His newest work, “Hold the Wick,” was recorded and mixed in just one day at ReelLove Recording Company here in Dayton. 

“I really wanted to work with other musicians and put a project around the single, so I commissioned seven remixes, each one in a different style,” Bankhead shared with us. “Remember the CD-singles from the 90s where you would buy a single, but the disc would have some additional songs on it? That’s the feeling I wanted to capture here.” 

Each of the collaborators who worked on the remixes received the same song building blocks – and each person had the freedom to create whatever they wanted to create with those pieces. “I hope that listeners also look into the other work from each of the 7 creative individuals who did remixes.” 

The new single “Hold the Wick” debuts on Bandcamp on March 4th, which is also a “Bandcamp Friday” – a day when musicians make their full payment on any music purchased. 

The single will be released on all other streaming services by March 15th. That is also the date Bankhead will appear on WUDR Flyer Radio and his music video will premiere on YouTube.

Find out more about Mike and his music at his website: MikeBankheadMusic.com 

Cirque Fatale presents “Ruin Your Childhood” Burlesque Show

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We’re riding those Valentine’s vibes right into the weekend with Cirque Fatale “Ruin Your Childhood” Burlesque! This talented group of dancers presents a burlesque and aerial show that promises to be the Magical Kingdom of fun! The cast will do their best to ruin your childhood favorites like Scooby-Doo, superheroes, and many of those magic castle animated princesses.

The performance is taking place on Friday, February 18, 2022 inside the Ballroom at The Brightside in downtown Dayton (905 E 3rd St) from 7-10pm. Along with Cirque Fatale, this show also features special guests The LeCamerons from CinCity Burlesque!

While this event is certainly fun, there is a charitable element happening too. Cirque Fatale is accepting donations of new bras (all sizes) for the YWCA. Sports bras are needed the most! So if you have some extra you never wore, or find some at the store, please bring along with you to the show!

“Dayton has been such a huge supporter of local entertainment like Cirque Fatale, that we want to give back to our local community,” organizer Cassie Guard shared.  

Cirque Fatale shows are known for flying performers over the crowd and making you laugh until your cheeks hurt. But they are also known for being safe in these covid times. They are taking measures to make sure you can still enjoy live entertainment are:

Masks required for entry and are to be worn  throughout the venue. Masks may be removed once seated at your table. All “tickets” are tables that seat 2-4 people. No rowed seating allowed. Venue HVAC system has UV-C bulbs to clean and purify the air!

Get your ticket today! Just a few table left: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ruin-your-childhood-burlesque-show-tickets-253806822037

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company presents World Premiere of “Inside Out”

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In February, there are two opportunities to experience the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, both in-person and Livestream.

The in-person performance is entitled, Inside Out, featuring a unique collection of interdisciplinary and collaborative pieces imagined by Debbie Blunden-Diggs, DCDC’s Chief Producing and Artistic Director. Witness the unveiling of three world premiere works rooted in DCDC’s legacy and sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council. 

If we learned anything during 2020 and 2021, we’re reminded that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. The world has changed, and we’ve evolved the way we think about craft, art, and society. DCDC’s resident choreographers embark upon new collaborations to explore life in a new world.

Nashville native Countess Winfrey collaborates with jazz composer Wesley Winfrey on new music and dance. The exquisite score is brought to life by The University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble and DCDC’s performing artists. The set design and projections created by visual artist Kanetha Scott are inspired by Winfrey’s choreography and the spirit of Memphis. Winfrey’s new work is the centerpiece of this concert, and you won’t want to miss it!

Performances will be held on February 26 at 7:30pm and February 27 at 4:00pm, LIVE at the Victoria Theater. For tickets call 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org/dcdc. Tickets start at $15!

Livestream event alert: On February 17, 2022 | 11:30 AM – 1 PM – DCDC presents Up Close & Personal: Anatomy of a Dance. Viewers will have the opportunity to see what happens during the creative process. Countess Winfrey will share a part of the evolution of her work for the February event Inside Out. Rehearsals in the studio, practices with the band, and conversations with the creative minds for this production will be shared virtually with our audiences as they get an inside look into the World Premiere of “Human Nature.”  Tickets & info at: info.dcdc.org/performances-tickets/seasons-series/up-close-personal
 
 

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Airplane!”

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Dayton Dinner Theater presents “Airplane!” See a classic favorite on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting on Sunday, February 27th at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

Enjoy Chef-inspired themed food, desserts, and cocktails from Brock Masterson. Before the movie, organizers have arranged for live-themed music featuring the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble.

During the movie, show your skills with DDT’s famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although these movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly.

When? Feb 27, 2022, 6:00 PM – 9:10 PM. Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.

Where? The Brightside Event Center, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.

Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

About the Event:

Themed Food: TBA (last time we had a choice of steak or fish…. I had the lasagna)

Themed Drinks: TBA (we cater to those with a drinking problem)

Themed Attire: pick your occupation… doctor, pilot, stewardess, auto pilot, or Hare Krishna salesman

50 Years without Natalie Clifford Barney: A Celebration of Life, Art, & Friendship

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Natalie Clifford Barney

50 Years without Natalie Clifford Barney. Come celebrate her remarkable life in the place of her birth, Dayton, Ohio!

You’re invited to join us on Wed, Feb 2nd from 12-12:30pm to celebrate and honor the incredible life of Natalie Clifford Barney, a Daytonian ahead of her time. We will gather at her Ohio Historical Marker (the first in the state to recognize and acknowledge a famous Ohioan for their contributions to LGBTQ+ arts, culture, and history). This is a free, outdoor event.
 
It’s been 50 years since her death. As they remember her in Paris, her adopted home, they’ve invited us to honor her here in Dayton too. Professor Samuel Dorf (UD), author of a Natalie Clifford Barney biography Performing Antiquity is arranging this event with help from Libby Ballengee and others. We’re planning to read poetry and remember this amazing lady.
 

Natalie Clifford Barney

When? Wed, Feb 2nd from 12-12:30pm
Where? Natalie Clifford Barney Historic Marker, 31 S St Clair St, Dayton, OH 45402. *This is an outdoor event* at Natalie’s historic marker by the Main Branch of the Dayton Library in Cooper Park.

 

Dayton Dinner Theater presents “The Princess Bride”

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Dayton Dinner Theater presents “The Princess Bride”! See a classic family favorrite on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.

Enjoy Chef-inspired themed food, desserts, and cocktails from Brock Masterson. Before the movie, organizers have arranged for live-themed music featuring the renowned Dr. Willie Morris and the University of Dayton Jazz Ensemble.

During the movie, show your skills with DDT’s famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although these movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly.

When? Jan 30, 6:00 PM – 9:20 PM. Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.

Where? The Brightside Event Center, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.

Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

About the Event:

Themed Food: TBA (maybe some stew, something that looks like mutton, something w/fire in the name, and maybe a peanut?)

Themed Drinks: The Battle of Wits (sparkling grape juice, vodka, cherry, pixie stick poison), The Buttercup (Butterscotch liquor, light cream, rum, cinnamon stick stirrer)

Themed Attire: You can be a Prince, a Pirate, a Princess, a Pauper, a Giant, or a Swordsman.  If you dress up as a ROUS, we will give you extra cheese.

 

DCDC is “Taking It to the Streets” on Sunday at Levitt Pavilion

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The world-renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company invites the community to their 2021-2022 season kickoff party! “Taking It to the Streets” is a free performance on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at 7 pm at Levitt Pavilion in downtown Dayton.

 

For the historic local dance company, being able to host an in-person performance has been a long wait. It’s been a year and a half since their last hometown concert, so they decided to make it a free community celebration. They want to reawaken the city with their dancing, special musical guests, food trucks, and more!

 

“Taking It to the Streets” celebrates the company’s collective energy like no other.  This event combines the summer energy of a street party and the innovation of site-specific performance in an open-air concert for the community. These dancers bring the city to life with new pieces celebrating black joy and global culture. “If joy was a protest, this would be our protest march!”

 

Debbie Blunden-Diggs, the Chief Artistic & Producing Director for DCDC, told us she’s super excited about returning to live performance. “This performance lets us celebrate DCDC’s 53rd season with the community we live in!”

 

DCDC’s 53rd season is entitled Evolve(d), and is self-described as a “shift to black joy, embodied global culture, inspiration towards real change, spiritual awakenings for the soul, and communal metamorphosis, all at once and through the humanity of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.” The line-up for Dayton performances includes the beloved holiday piece “The Littlest Angel,” along with 2022’s “Inside Out,” “Dancing in the Light” and “Soulstice: Mahogany Nights.” For more information about season subscriptions and single tickets, visit dcdc.org. Purchase your subscription before September 15th, 2021 and save 10%.

HOW TO GO?
Performance: “Taking It to the Streets”
Date: August 29, 2021
Time: 7 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Dayton Levitt Pavilion, 134 S. Main Street, Dayton, OH 45402  Directions

Live music is back at The Brightside – featuring locals Gabe Maas, Mariah J, & Isicle

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On June 3rd the mask mandate lifts in Ohio, and that means it’s a lot easier to get back to the fun things we’ve been missing since the pandemic shutdown. One of the types of gatherings people have been missing the most is seeing live music. Local venues, like The Brightside, are excited to be hosting concerts again.

The Brightside started hosting music in 2019, and just as they approached their one-year anniversary, the COVID shutdown went into effect. The independent venue located on East 3rd St, near the corner of Keowee, pivoted to weddings, sold merchandise, and hosted virtual events over the past year.

“We’re grateful to the community for their support during this challenging time,” music booker Libby Ballengee, told us. “Our biggest goal was to keep improving the venue and when it’s safe, get back to hosting music events. Those events are so joyful!”

The improvements have included adding UV filters to the ductwork in order to clean the circulating indoor air. The venue was also able to add a patio, where they can host outdoor concerts.

The venue’s first show back since the mask mandate has been lifted features three up-and-coming local musicians who perform an eclectic mix of Soul, R&B, Pop & Electronic music: Mariah J, Gabe Maas & The Bruins, and Isicle. These artists are pushing boundaries in their respective genres, and are thrilled to be performing for Dayton audiences again. This show is planned to be outdoors on patio unless inclement weather.

Learn more about The Brightside’s upcoming shows at: TheBrightsideDayton.com

HOW TO GO:

Where: The Brightside at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402

When: Thursday June 3, 2021 from 7-10pm

Cost:  $10

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-music-with-mariah-j-gabe-maas-the-bruins-isicle-the-brightside-tickets-156363237653

 

 

Spice up your holiday with a special “Holiday at Home” feature with DCDC

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After a year that’s kept us all at home, streaming our entertainment, I think it’s safe say we’re feeling a little Netflixed out. We’ve seen it ALL. Well, if you’re looking for something holiday themed, original, fabulous and local – check out the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s virtual “Home for the Holidays” performance this weekend.

Whether you’re new to modern dance, or a connoisseur, this show is both an opportunity for new patrons experience dance, as well as a dose of what longtime arts fans have been missing this year. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the holidays with our own world-class dance company through cheerful dance and song!

How to tune in? That’s the best part: it’s at your convenience. Buy a ticket and enjoy a single viewing of the performance sometime from Saturday, December 26, 2020 until Tuesday, December 29, 2020.

“This production will beckon us towards the memories that remind us of the things we treasure most: family, community, and home,” the company stated. They invite the community to “let this moving, joyful experience warm your family’s heart during the holiday season.”

Not only is this cozy production a great way to break up the online monotony with something cultural and original, purchasing access to this performance is also a great way to support this treasured local arts institution. All performing arts organizations could greatly use the community’s support during this challenging time.

After the performance, there will be a special feature where DCDC’s dancers perform their favorite holiday fireside stories. The company invites you to follow along with their special craft making session, which is perfect for the entire family. This is an up close and personal way for the dancers to share their memories of hope and joy with the community.

Ticket Information

Get your tickets at daytonlive.org or call 937-228-3630. $26.50 each.

This broadcast will be available for a single viewing between 12 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020 and 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Information about how to access the stream will be included on your email confirmation.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company: www.dcdc.org

The Rubi Girls present “The Show Must Go On” virtually

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The Rubi Girls in the “Show Must Go On 2020” at The Brightside

Every nonprofit has had to pivot their fundraisers to online events, and The Rubi Girls are no exception. The group has awarded millions to a variety of local charities, and they’re determined to keep giving, especially now, when the need is greatest.

The Rubi Girl’s annual Thanksgiving production “The Show Must Go On” will be presented online on Saturday November 28th at 7:30pm and will also be accessible anytime after it starts.

The Rubi Girls were formed over 35 years ago, when a small group of friends started putting on drag shows for their own amusement. They later became a 501c3 dedicated to helping others. They’ve truly shown that giving to others can be outrageously fun and rewarding!

The tickets to the virtual performance and fundraiser are $25, which comes with your own copy of the 2021 Rubi Girls calendar. Calendars can be shipped anywhere in the US or picked up at the Rubi Girls Clubhouse on Friday November 27th from 11-2pm or Saturday November 28th from 11-2pm.

TO BUY TICKETS: https://www.therubigirls.com/shop