Cabaret Series Livens the Avenue
Good news Bloomfield, there’s a new performance series in the area. The Pittsburgh Dance & Theatre Arts studio that recently moved into the space under W.G. Grinders and Starbucks has started a monthly cabaret. Saturday, November 7 was the first performance of the cabaret, with its theme of “The Psycho Go Go!” The cabaret featured performances like B movie comedy and horror by Stage Fright, the blues styling of Gypsy Piano Blues, a belly dancing performance by Sadira, hip-hop artist Lucid Music and the Psycho Go Go Dancers. The whole performance was hosted by Dr. Mirakle and Scumbelina.
“The Psycho Go Go!” cabaret drew in a crowd of around 30 to 40 people, and lasted for almost two hours. And while this crowd didn’t stop traffic like the performance that accompanied the studio’s September grand opening, it was still an amazing turnout. Next month’s cabaret will be the more family-oriented “A Christmas Tree Grows in Bloomfield” on December 5. So far, the acts participating include an accordion player, the children from the winter showcase, and their amazing African drum/dance teacher Yamoussa Camara.
Pittsburgh Dance & Theatre Arts moved into its new space in September, and they are working hard to give Pittsburgh an affordable creative outlet. “We don’t do competitions,” said Laura Hodge, the studio’s owner. “We train people in dance techniques and inspire their creativity. It’s about studying your art form and introducing yourself to other experiences.” The studio offers classes that range from belly dancing and African dance/drums to more traditional classes like ballet and tap. They truly are Pittsburgh’s most diverse dance studio. Along with offering dance classes, Hodge is looking to incorporate more ways to involve the community. “I would love to get more people interested in a yoga class here, and maybe someday creating a spa and wellness center. I’m also trying to start an adult acting class for the community.”
Another big aspect of the studio is its Junior Theatre that works with students’ acting and singing skills. The musical theatre works with children from all ages, and gets them to put on a show to showcase their skills. “One year we did A Christmas Carol,” said Hodge, “Scrooge was played by an eleven year old, and the rest of the cast was younger. It’s not just a show for children, but a show that’s put on by the children.” All of the plays that the theatre puts on are written and adapted by her husband Chris Mattick. This year’s showcase will be Babes in Toyland, Out of the Shoe. The play will focus on the Mother Goose rhymes that are in the story, and has most of the characters living in the old woman’s shoe. The show will be taking place at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty on December 13.
With classes geared for all ages and ability levels, there’s something for everyone. And because the studio is so community oriented, Hodge is always willing to help out the area by promoting businesses through donations or supporting local artists with their shows. To find out more about the classes and rates, or if you would like to help the studio by donating extra chairs and Christmas trees for their upcoming cabaret, you can visit their website or visit the studio located on the lower level of the old Plaza Theater, 4765 Liberty Avenue.