EVERETT — The 15th annual Christmas Spectacular by Dr. Sanford Wright and his wife Olga Foraponova keeps its focus on kids.
The music and dance performance is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Everett Civic Auditorium. It raises food and funds for local food banks, money for the Dance Wellness program in Everett schools and supports free dance classes for special-needs children. The classes are offered by Everett’s Dorothy Jayne Studio, which is named for Wright’s artistic mother and run by Foraponova, a Russian-born champion ballroom dancer.
Wright draws his inspiration for the variety show from the PTA family fun nights at the old Rosehill School in Mukilteo, he said. The show celebrates the holiday season with music performed by a talented group, some who have participated in the Christmas Spectacular for more than a decade.
The show also aims to present themes about important issues in the community, Wright said. These include helping hungry families, reaching out to children who have special needs and addressing kids with challenges that include depression, lack of positive self-image and obesity.
Master of ceremonies is former Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine, who will participate in a funny but touching comedy routine, Wright said.
Special guests include Karlin Lissa of Arlington, a Sudanese emigre; Charles Avelange, a film composer; Kym Zion, a Dance Wellness associate of Foraponova; the Everett High School JROTC; and Jocelin Meadows, 13, who has special needs.
Years ago, Jocelin told her mother that she dreamed of dancing. The desire was passed from leadership at Children’s Center at Providence Hospital to Dr. Wright, a Providence neurosurgeon. Foraponova set up lessons for Jocelin and music was composed for her by Russian violinist Artem Savchenko. When Jocelin performed in 2012, it generated a standing ovation, Wright said.
The successful presentation of Jocelin Meadows lead to the formation of the program for children with special needs at the Dorothy Jayne Studio. Under the direction of their instructor, Irina Hensler, more children will perform on Saturday.
Jocelin’s dance partner this year will be Justin Glanville, a rural Arlington firefighter with Fire District 21. Savchenko has composed a new “Waltz for Jocelin” for their dance.
The Dance Wellness program in Everett schools takes the place of physical education classes for kids who want a different way to exercise. Run by Foraponova with assistance from her daughter Dascha Wright and Kym Zion, Dance Wellness attracted about 2,000 Everett students who participated last spring. Some of those students also will perform.
Others performing include the Steely Dan tribute band called Nearly Dan, members of the Total Experience Gospel Choir, Dascha Wright, Daniel Yeboah, Summer Watson, Victoria Burnett, Jack Klitzman, Darelle Holden, Carl Kelley, Victor Benedetti, David Narvaez and the Pacific Ballroom Dance Company.
If you go
The Christmas Spectacular is 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave. Tickets: A suggested donation of $15 plus 5 non-perishable food items. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information, go to www.dorothyjaynestudio.com or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2465541. Those who can’t make it to the show are invited to watch at www.achristmasspectacular.com.
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