Pictured: Carbon native Melissa Anast dances during a number in ‘And Now?…” a recent dance concert she directed and largely choreographed.
Over the weekend, Carbon native Melissa Anast’s dance concert “And Now?…” took the spotlight at the Rio Theatre both Friday and Saturday night. Anast directed the concert as well as choreographed the majority of its numbers.
Anast, who has danced since the age of three, graduated from Carbon High School and then-CEU, performing all the way on cheer and dance teams.
After two years in Price, Anast attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree and eventually a Master’s of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in choreography from California’s Mills College while at the same time becoming certified in pilates.
After returning home to Carbon County after a brief siesta, Anast was asked to support the local efforts of assisting Helper’s historic Rio Theatre. After a solo concert last October as well as a concert with support from a former UNLV professor in February, Anast was asked to continue to supply concerts for the venue.
Thus, “And Now?…” was born and brought to Carbon County.
Featuring various numbers and drawing inspiration from past numbers and contemporary songs, Anast’s concert was well received by those in attendance.
“It seemed to me that most people enjoyed it. It’s interesting to see,” she said, “different people like different pieces.”
Anast next will bring a Halloween concert to the area in October. The dancer remains hopeful that her next concert will also appeal to those who come to see it.
“To me,” she said, “that’s what’s great about dance is it can be perceived in so many different ways.”
Included pictures are from the show’s dress rehearsal:
