Dancer welcomes challenge of roles

George Doss has waited a long time for this moment.

In the Augusta Dance Theatre's upcoming production of The Roar of Love, Doss, 19, plays the leading roles of Aslan and Fenris Ulf.

"I've been here almost 11 years, and I've done almost every male role," said Doss, a 2005 graduate of John S. Davidson Fine Arts School and a freshman at Augusta State University.

The Roar of Love is based on C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

"He's amazing," said Ron Jones, the artistic director of the Augusta Dance Theatre in Martinez, who has watched Doss' transformation from a gangly child into a confident lead dancer.

Doss said Fenris Ulf, the lead wolf in the White Witch's army, is one of the most challenging roles he has danced. It requires lifts and other techniques with his partner, the White Witch.

"Fenris is pretty fun," said Doss, who started lifting weights and working out about two months ago to prepare for the role. There are about 200 dancers in the production, ranging in age from adults to about 3 years old.