FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 22, 2005
Contact: Charmain Yobbi,
Public Relations and Community Partnerships
954.921.3274 x235

OceanDance 2005 Features Urban Ballet Theater
Hollywood, Fla. – On Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31, treat yourself to a free dance performance on Hollywood Beach by the internationally renown Urban Ballet Theater.

On Friday, Dec. 30, the show starts at 8 p.m., while the Saturday, Dec. 31 performance begins at 9:30 p.m. OceanDance 2005 takes place on the beach just north of Hollywood Boulevard. Fireworks sponsored by the Hollywood Beach Community and Redevelopment Agency will follow the OceanDance performance on New Year’s Eve.
This year’s event will feature the critically acclaimed Urban Ballet Theater (UBT), which uses ballet to express contemporary issues and is known for combining inner-city influences with a mix of classical and contemporary dance styles. As a special tribute to the great city of New Orleans, the performance will include a special appearance by New Orleans-based artists Shaka Zulu of the Zulu Connection and Michelle Gibson. The artists will perform with UBT excerpts from “The Kid from Elysian Fields.” This powerful and festive piece recreates the energy and flavor of New Orleans, while serving as a commentary on the social issues facing youths there. “The Kid from Elysian Fields” was created in 2004 by UBT’s Artistic Director Daniel Catanach in collaboration with the New Orleans Ballet Association and the New Orleans Recreation Department.

Both nights of OceanDance, T-shirts will be sold to raise funds to benefit the Southern Arts Federation Emergency Relief Fund, which was created to assist artists and arts organizations affected by the recent hurricanes.

“OceanDance is one way the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood helps fulfill its mission of making the arts accessible to everyone,” says Tiffany Hill, artistic director of the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. “This year, we are pleased to have this event tie into relief efforts for the artistic community, as the arts elevate the quality of life for residents and will be an integral part of the rebuilding efforts.”

A VIP package including preferred seating is available for purchase. On Dec. 30 and 31, the VIP area opens at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., respectively. Party favors will be provided on New Year’s Eve to VIP attendees. VIP seats for both Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 are $120 per seat per person, $200 for a couple or $420 for a table of four. VIP tickets for Dec. 30 only cost $50 per seat per person, $80 for a couple or $150 for a table of four. New Year’s Eve only seats are $75 per seat per person, $140 for a couple or $280 for a table of four. Call (954) 924-8175 or visit www.artandculturecenter.org for VIP reservations and more information. VIP seating is limited and will sell out quickly, so make your reservations early.

Hollywood Beach restaurants will be offering pre-OceanDance dinner packages as well as gourmet hors d’oeuvres baskets both evenings.
This special event is sponsored by the Hollywood Beach Community Redevelopment Agency; supported by the City of Hollywood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department and the Hollywood Downtown Redevelopment agency and produced by the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood.

The Orange Bowl Committee will host its PATCH Beach Bash on Monday, Jan. 2, 2006 from noon to 8 p.m. on Hollywood Beach. Presented by the City of Hollywood, this “teaser” to the 2006 FedEx Orange Bowl National Championship Halftime Show features headlining talent as well as select local bands.
For more information on the Orange Bowl PATCH Beach Bash, please call (305) 341-4735 or visit www.orangebowl.org.

The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood is a vibrant, regionally distinct, contemporary visual and performing arts organization offering visual art exhibitions, theatre, music and dance performances. Educational programming includes adult and children's arts classes, after-school programs, camps and other art curriculum. The Center is committed to creating opportunities for all people to experience the visual and performing arts. More information is available at www.artandculturecenter.org.

The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood gratefully acknowledges support provided by its members, the City of Hollywood, and the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency. Funding for this organization is provided by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by The Broward Cultural Council. The Center is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs; the Florida Arts Council; and the National Endowment of the Arts through the Southern Arts Federation.