Dance conference

More than 400 students from 22 colleges and universities are in town for the American College Dance Festival Association Central Region Conference. The conference, which began Sunday and continues through Thursday, is being held at the Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts at the River Campus.

Dance classes offered to the participating students include several styles, such as ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary and hip-hop, among others. While there are no prizes issued, students are evaluated for choreography and performances while instructors also are evaluated for their teaching.

To help cap off this multiday event, there will be a gala the public is welcome to attend beginning at 7:30 p.m. today in Bedell Performance Hall.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at RiverCampusEvents.com or by calling the box office at 651-2265.

Hosting major events like this can be an economic benefit to our community. All the students and faculty are beneficiaries of the influx of talent, and those who attend the performance will enjoy what looks to be a fun show.

We welcome all the students to Cape Girardeau.