The Grandel

Dessa is a modern-day 12-year-old with no shortage of mysteries to solve and fossils to find. Her days are filled with buried treasures just waiting to be uncovered. But when her family of three unexpectedly becomes a family of two, this smart, funny young scientist struggles to overcome her grief and anger at all the changes in her world. Dessa’s unlikely comfort comes from a remarkable new friend, one only she can see and hear—Mary Anning, the 19th-century paleontologist who discovered a breakthrough dinosaur fossil at the age of 12 and became a pioneer in her field. But why is her portrait not on the museum wall alongside those of her male counterparts? Dessa decides that she’s going to fight to earn Mary the respect she deserves. With help from her new classmate and once-rival, Nilo, Dessa unearths secrets of the past and present—for Mary’s legacy and her own way forward.

Ages 10 and up. 60 minutes with no intermission.

By Laura Schellhardt
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing
Director: Julia Flood

Themes of Digging Up Dessa: comedy-drama-adventure, empowerment for girls, resilience, history, STEAM, grief, allyship

In-person and virtual school field trips also available. For more information, please contact School Bookings and Audience Services Manager, Eleanor Marsh.
Call 314.325.9505

Email [email protected] (As staff continues to work remotely, email is preferred.)

Whatever the style, music has its own tempo, its own speed of execution. Tempo is a powerful musical element that affects human emotion. In the opening main stage concert of the 2021-2022 season, Ashleyliane Dance Company explores various tempos and melodies with meaningful messages, serious symphonies, and catchy choruses. This show highlights the diversity of styles that is characteristic of ADC. This company of classical, contemporary and commercial dancers brings you creative new choreography from guest artists Prince Lyons, Leah Robertson, Pauline Mata, and company director Ashley L. Tate, as well as a selection from the repertoire, choreographed by Marcus and Paige Johnson.

Ashleyliane Dance Company continues to place patron safety as our first priority. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Ashleyliane Dance Company will implement additional safety protocols at all shows.

Safety protocols will include:
Effective immediately, ticketed admission will also require proof of FULL COVID-19 Vaccination or a Negative COVID-19 Diagnostic Test within the previous 72 hours regardless of customer age. Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or a Professionally Administered (physician, clinic, pharmacy, etc.) Negative COVID-19 Diagnostic Test can be a physical paper copy or a snapshot on your mobile device, along with a matching photo ID, to display upon admission.
Additionally, face masks will still be needed to enter our concert venues. Effective face coverings must completely cover the nose and mouth and must be worn at all times unless actively consuming food or beverage. Face shields, gaiters and bandanas are not acceptable as primary face coverings.

Ashleyliane Dance Company will continue to monitor guidelines from the CDC and our local health partners for the latest public health innovations. We will update these procedures as recommendations from public health officials evolve.

For a full list of our policies, please visit our website: ashleyliane.com

We thank you for your cooperation and support to ensure Ashleyliane Dance Company is part of the charge to combat the further spread of COVID-19.
 

A contemporary take on the classic tale of Scrooge’s love and redemption.

Choreographed by Artistic Director Brian Enos, with an original arrangement of Tchaikovsky music by composer Brendan Hollins.  Featuring a new student collaboration with COCADance.