Fidèle Youth Dance Company set to cap 11th season with original production: “Remain”
Twenty-five hours in the theater; 116 hours in the studio. Twenty-nine cast members have rehearsed 12 scenes to 28 pieces of music, donning 30 custom-made costumes over a 17-week season, all to tell a story that demonstrates the nature of the one true King. This week, Fidèle Youth Dance Company culminates its 11th season of powerful stories with its first alumni-written production: “Remain,” coming to the Wasson Auditorium stage for three live performances November 16-17.
“As with everything we do, we look to the King,” FYDC director Mimi McKinnis said. “Jesus is a masterful storyteller. His parables help us connect with and understand God in ways we never would have been able to otherwise, and it’s always my prayer that each one of our productions will do the same for the audience.”
FYDC uses the arts to tell compelling stories, creating a legacy of gospel-driven theater through original, faith-based productions. And while each story strives to bring the messages of scripture to life, now, after 11 years on stage, the connections built through the company itself are telling their own stories—and impacting the stories of those who played a part—expanding the company’s legacy to a whole different level.
“I always tell people about the ripple effect,” McKinnis said. “God tells us in Matthew that it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed for Him to move mountains. It only takes one person to touch the water and create the ripples. When we trust God with our efforts, it’s amazing to see what He can do through a few dozen teens in Colorado Springs. I’m so proud, not only of the stories we’ve produced over the last 11 years, but of the arts-based creators we’ve connected with, and the artists and creators whose stories we get to be a part of in some small way.”
Last season, FYDC performed “Bring Her Home,” staging the first story in a series of three young adult novels by Australian author Hannah Currie, who journeyed to the United States for the first time to take in all three performances. Currie watched her story come to life on stage among crowds that rivaled the company’s highest attendance numbers, missing 2022’s success by less than 85 tickets. Less than a year later, “Hold Her Close,” the final book in the series, was published with a story thanks, in part, to Currie’s experience at the theater.
“In performing ‘Bring Her Home,’ [the FYDC family] brought these characters to life for me in a way I couldn’t have imagined, and inspired me more than you’ll ever know,” Currie wrote in the book’s acknowledgements. “...No matter what, Rose’s story is deeper because of you.”
Currie’s book wasn’t the only story close to the company to hit shelves this year. Former FYDC soloist Aquinnah Bree published her debut novel, “A Tempest of Roses,” over the summer, 10 years after dancing the lead in FYDC’s premiere season.
“It’s such an honor to see the stories of those we share a connection with come to fruition, and amazing that we’ve been doing this long enough now that our alumni are writing their own stories on and off the stage,” McKinnis said. “I’ve always wanted to build a legacy of stories that allow others to see God’s promises come to life through the arts, but to see a new generation of Christian artists rise up and use their gifts with the same mission at heart is truly inspiring. The way God moves in the ripples never ceases to amaze me.”
In addition to dance performance (three of FYDC’s alumni are currently touring and training with Dance Revolution/Ingredients Dance Company), this year’s production is a testament to more of the company’s own artists, written by FYDC alumni Jayce Davis, then created and choreographed by Davis with McKinnis and fellow FYDC alumni-turned-staff member Abbie Van Horn.
“Remain” tells the story of a kingdom, united before falling into indifference, then broken when its people place new and exciting travelers above their king’s reign. As members of the kingdom fall in line and cling to their overlord of choice, division runs rampant. But a group of villagers remain steadfast in faith, serving their king and calling for his return. Through the production, McKinnis hopes this first-of-its-kind story continues to create ripples in His name.
“It’s been a blessing to watch these students take the inspiration the Lord planted during their time dancing with FYDC, and a privilege to encourage them in their gifts as they guided this project from start to finish,” she said. “As we prepare to tell another powerful story on stage, I hope and pray that our audience is encouraged to portray the faithful members of their own stories, and that they will see that the Lord remains through each and every chapter.”
You can come see “Remain” live on stage for three live performances at the Roy J. Wasson Auditorium (2115 Afton Way):
Saturday, November 16: 2 p.m.
Saturday, November 16: 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 17: 2 p.m.
Tickets and information are available at FideleYouthDanceCompany.com!