1, 2, 3 ready dance ...

The three stanzas, bolded below, came to me as a New Year’s Day email, from Tom Burson, accomplished pianist, liturgical musician at Evangel United Methodist Church, instructor and accompanist at Allegro. 

Being a total music geek I checked out the origins of our Sunday hymns. "O God Our Help in Ages Past" is the quintessential hymn for those who call themselves Methodists. Since 1780 it has been the first hymn in the hymnal. Charles Wesley 1707-1788 wrote the lyrics with 18 verses. The tune is by Carl G. Glaser. 

Charles Wesley's grandson Samuel Sabastian Wesley (1810-1836) wrote the tune for the hymn "Another New Year is Dawning."  The lyrics are by an Anglican, Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

I picked one of my favorite Waltzes: Wiener Blut by Johann Strauss Jr. 1825-1899. The waltz has its origins in the German and Austrian folk dances called the Volta and Laendler. By 1800 it became the scandal and rage of Europe . By the time of Chopin and Strauss it had become the dance of the angels. What is the new year without a Strauss Waltz. 1-2-3- ready dance...........


1-2-3 ready dance………. Is exactly how we feel at Allegro.
Beginning 2021 with in person dance classes, music lessons and R.E.D. rehearsals is exciting and energizing. 
1-2-3 ready dance……..Creating our community brings life to the building and all who enter.  The inclusion of our live online dancers and musicians broadens our connection.  
1,2,3 ready dance…….safely. We are mindful and disciplined always, of our responsibilities to ourselves and others. The pandemic that we navigate daily requires our attention. None of our precautions or adaptations take away the joy of dance or music. 
1,2,3 ready dance…….Perhaps it makes us more appreciative. It definitely makes us more innovative.  I know that Allegro’s devoted staff and faculty feel the same. 
1,2,3 ready dance…...waltz, tap step, turn, leap, Allegro is here for you, we will dance, appreciate, learn, laugh, smile, perform. Nothing is more important than bringing meaning, movement, music and joy to the students in our midst.  
​
1,2,3 ready dance……..

Janet M. Johnson