Dancers perform for older audience

Residents of Elmcroft Assisted Living and Alzheimer's Care enjoyed a private performance Monday by some young ballet dancers.

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Five members of the Columbia County Ballet's performing company danced Sister Suite for nearly 20 residents of the Martinez center, a few family members and a handful of staff members.

"They were great," said Teresa Smith, the center's activities director. "I try to plan a lot of entertainment to come in. This is the first time we've had (Columbia County Ballet) come."

Sister Suite was choreographed by Peter Powlus, the Augusta Players' artistic director, during a 2006 summer workshop. The dancers performed the piece in September at the Performing Arts Center in the Columbia County Library and again as one of several mini classics they performed during a free show in May at the amphitheater, said Ron Jones, Columbia County Ballet's artistic director.

The piece has three movements to bluegrass music from the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.

"It is one of those pieces we can pull out and do in a small area like this," Jones said, adding the dancers enjoy the modern dance style. "It is an effective piece of music, too."

The music had residents tapping their toes and clapping to the songs as the dancers in colorful skirts brought the music to life.

Jones said the center requested the performance and he tries to accommodate any requests the company gets.

Tara Boysen, Elmcroft's health care director, said the center brings in entertainment weekly. During the school year, school choruses and bands often perform for residents.

"The residents love anytime we bring in stuff like this, especially with younger people," Boysen said.