By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO — When a deep and abiding passion is combined with a clear and focused vision, the results are tantamount to explosive perfection. That synergistic energy is captured by the Civic Dance Arts Program of the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department with Andrea Feier at the barre.
Several aspects make this program unique and praiseworthy. The first is its broad base of classes offered. The opportunity to take ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip hop, Bollywood and more in over 19 locations around the county is astounding. Some 7,200 students are involved in weekly classes, some as a casual hobby, with a once a week tap class, others as seriously committed 12-classes-per-week danseurs.
Though many San Diegans are unaware of this program, it has been operating since 1942. In 1996, Director Bonnie Ward invited Feier to choreograph a show. A year later the Julliard trained dancer/choreographer joined the staff. Feier used her Alvin Ailey and Julliard training to win entré into a dance video with Starlight Theater.
During a Balboa Park stint, Feier met her husband, Alan Schueler. Schueler does all of the tech stuff for Parks and Recreation. Audiences will be able to delight in his work during Collage, this February, as he is Stage Manager for the production.
Since coming on board, Andrea Feier has grown the program and through her connections with Pilobolus and Momix has elevated the classes and offerings to a whole new level. Feier believes that her dancers have a “background at a level that didn’t exist.” Her dancers go on to college for dance. They have received a broad based education that gets them poised for a career in the field.
The most popular classes are Tap and Jazz at the recreational level. However, many students attend classes that teach Hip Hop, Irish Dance, Hawaiian, Breakdancing and Musical Theater. The attendees are largely girls, but 13 boys have registered for ballet. The Junior Company is 3-17 year old and the Adult programs house 5,588 students with 1,571 males.
Feier told me that the biggest surprise in her role has been understanding politics. Performing Arts is generally seen as a non-regulated profession, yet when one works for a government entity, she must also meet certain criteria. This has been interesting and challenging for Feier. “Overwhelmingly humbling” is how the director described her volunteers. She is amazed and so grateful for their energy and volunteerism. Some of these folks are “lifers,” Feier explained. They give up whole weekends for the good of the cause.
I wanted to know what audiences typically said at the end of a show. “Professional”, “Better than Broadway,” “Visually Stunning and “High End.” But the most fulfilling comment of all, Feier shared, is that.” “Joy: Everyone looks like they’re having a great time.” It just doesn’t get any better than that.
Sadly, a lot of people discount programs offered by Parks and Recreation as being inferior because they don’t cost an arm and a leg. This sounds silly, but it’s true. According to Feier, people equate a tuition with the skills they’re acquiring. But what if you could receive expert training at a fraction of the cost of private lessons? That is what the Parks and Recreation is offering. Andrea Feier’s program has won the Bravo Award for 2014 and 2015, as well as the California Parks and Recreation Society Award of Excellence for Culture and Arts and Creating a Community. This makes Feier’s troupe the first EVER to win the Bravo award two years consecutively!
Feier told me that she is always “pushing the envelope” and wants to do more. She’d like to expand the company. Feier would love to bring the same level of inspiration and competence to every recreation center. Currently, she doesn’t have the staff. She’d love to reach out to schools and get them involved.
The San Diego Parks and Recreation Department have a fabulous array of programs for everyone. Kids and seniors can participate in dance programs that will help them stay “healthy, joyful and alive.” The benefits of dance are recognized by so many. Will Farrell, comedian, recently did a piece with Feier’s seniors. The comedian performed with Feier’s dancers at the Civic Theater to a sold out crowd.
Last month December Nights was enjoyed by record crowds of San Diegans. The upcoming Collage will break all records as a unique event. It is described as “unlike anything else in San Diego. It defies explanation.” Tickets may be purchased directly from the website: http://collage2016.brownpapertickets.org// for the event which runs from Feb. 5 through Feb. 21st. Please check website for specifics and pricing.
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com. Comments below must be accompanied by the letter writer’s full name and city and state of residence (or if outside the U.S., city and country.)