5 Things: Dance in Buffalo Edition (Guest Post)

2.)    LehrerDance: This Buffalo-based professional dance company was created by Jon Lehrer in July 2007. In only five years, the company became an internationally-touring company and performed in Europe and Russia, along with visits in cities all across America. Their unique style and choreography keeps audiences at the edges of their seats. They have come so far since 2007 and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead in their future. 

3.)    Infinity Dance Project: With a professional dance company based in Buffalo, it’s only fair to let young students get the chance to see what it’s like to be a member of a professional company and if it’s something they would want to pursue in their future. In 2007, Rebecca Guile-Wind and Tracy Navarro started this pre-professional dance company for dancers ages 13-18 who were serious about dance (one student was Jacob Artist, mentioned above). The company, which now has a junior company level for younger dancers, meets once a week to learn choreography and hear from guest speakers. In January, the dancers get the chance to perform the pieces they have learned at the University at Buffalo. It’s wonderful to see young dancers improve and dive further into their passion for dance. Learn more by “liking” Infinity Dance Project, Inc. on Facebook.

4.)    Battleat Buffalo: Freestyling at its finest. The Battle at Buffalo allows dancers to come together once a month to battle each other until a winner is named. Don’t feel like dancing? Anyone is welcome to hang out and cheer for their favorite dancers. Each summer, the battle makes its way to the headquarters of New Era Caps downtown for a battle under the lights. This event brings in people from all over, including other countries, who hope to win the title. The Battle at Buffalo is hosted by Verve Dance Studio.

5.)    Dancers Give Back: My favorite part about dance in Buffalo is this event that brings all of the dance studios together each fall to raise money for cancer research. This day consists of performances, master classes, games, crafts, auctions, raffles and fun. All of the proceeds benefit Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Jacquie for A.L.L. Foundation. Since its inception six years ago, DGB has raised close to $200,000! Ida Saki, who has been a guest teacher and performer at DBG the past three years, has teamed up with DGB co-founder Ali Dietz and is bringing the event to her hometown, Dallas, Texas. To see more cities put on their own Dancers Give Back, forget about competition and focus on joining forces to help find a cure for cancer would be amazing! Learn more about Dancers Give Back by visiting their website.

Kirchmyer’s dance experience includes performing with the Classic Dance Company of Western New York, Infinity Dance Project, Buffalo State College Dance Theatre, Habit Dance Project and the Buffalo Bandettes Professional Dance Team. She teaches dance at Steppin’ Out Dance Academy and is the choreographer for West Seneca Youth Theatre.

When she is not dancing, Kirchmyer is writing. She currently works for Metro Group, Inc. and assists with her father’s communications company, Kirchmyer Media.