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A brief history of"HEART BEATS & RHYTHM"

"HEART BEATS & RHYTHM" was established in Seattle as a dance ensemble in 1990. There have been many changes since it's inception. The group was originally known as 'LA PE KE KO' & performed only folkdances from Finland. In 1992, they performed at folk festivals in Finland &, following this exposure, were invited to perform at folk festivals in Holland & Belgium which they gladly accepted. Some time into preparation for these festivals they were told by the organizers that "they only wanted American dance performed, that they could get Finnish dancers to perform their own dances"!

Rather than cancel their appearances, they learned American dance, clogging! Then, because they continued as a group to travel to other countries to perform, it was decided that they should continue as a performing group doing American dance, clogging!

For many years the group was based in Seattle area until it's director retired & moved to Arizona during the winter. This should have been the end of the group but it wasn't! There were so many enthusiastic dancers who wanted to perform, so the group reorganized in Arizona.

Now in their 11th season & reorganized with a new performance format, "HEART BEATS & RYTHM" has become so well known in the Valley it is always fully booked before the new season commences. Clogging is still an integral part of the show but has given way to other styles of dance in the performances. Coupled with the wonderful voices of our singers & the silliness of our comedy team, the shows are full of variety, innovative choreography & ideas & beautiful & varied costumes, theirs is a show which is fast paced, entertaining & fun.

HEART BEATS & RHYTHM'S program for 2009-2010 season may continue to include music & dance from the 1950's; remember Rock n Roll?

And all those wonderful old commercials? The Alka Setzer, Mr Clean & ExLax ads? See them in performance.

Reminisce with wonderful songs like, "America" from West Side Story & "Livin La Vida Loca" .

Bounce in your seats with singer Michael Droz & dancers to "Jailhouse Rock" & enjoy the antics of the jailer & his prisoner.

Be intrigued by appearances by Charlie Chaplin, The Marx Brothers & The Keystone Cops!

Clap along while Michael Droz sings "BoogieWoogie Country Girl"

and the dancers perform a high spirited version of "Fiddlin Man".

"Da Do Ron Ron" is beautifully sung by Nancy Smith with the dancers accompanying her with spirited dance.

Laugh as our 'hobos' dance to "On The Road Again", with an appearance by Willie Nelson!

And you will love the elegant dances from Hawaii & Tahiti performed by Susan Droz.

But there's so much more!

our 2007 visit to

NASHVILLE

The 'Rhythm' dancers along with 'Heart Beat' singer, Nancy Smith, performed on three world-famous stages in Nashville August 25-26, 2007. Appearing live on the historic Ryman, Grand Ole Opry Plaza and the Wildhorse Saloon stages, "Heart Beats & Rhythm" entertained tourists from around the world in Music City USA.

This was a very special event for us; to dance & sing on stages where so many great country music stars have performed; what a great honor!