The Feet First Dance troupe has been a cultural mainstay of the Southern Humboldt County community for a very long time. In the beginning they taught, practiced and danced in the old Fireman's Hall. The dancers got a grant for the mirrors that filled one wall of the old building. The first Summer Arts Festival, 29 years ago, was originally created as a performance venue for the dance troupe to share with the rest of the community. The old hall burned to the ground, a new building was constructed where a generation of kids grew up dancing.

All these years later, the Feet First Dancers are alive, well, and still contributing to the local culture. A lot of young folks have learned their first "steps" from the FFD dedicated teachers.

Last night I went to see the tech run trough of the upcoming show which opens Thursday at the Mateel Center. There are over 60 members to the dancing cast with a small army of people doing the lights, sound and choreography. We should support our performing artists as they are the thread that runs through our past, present and future. Encouragement and approval are good ways to raise kids into fine responsible adults.
Praise to the teachers! The upcoming performance looks like it will be a lot of fun to watch... especially the youngest cast members. ...Kimba