Dance Bochette holding winter event

COURTESY PHOTO Learning breakdance moves at Dance Bochette Dance Bochette has offered its annual holiday show for years — but don't mistake tradition for sameness.

The 57-year-old downtown Fort Myers fixture has added some new courses to the standard ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance repertoire, and will put the results on display on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the winter performance.

Joining the studio this year are African dance instructor Rachel Pearl and breakdance artist Ismael "Ish" Coira. Their unique styles and choreography promise to lend a new energy to this year's show.

The performance also features the ballet "Les Patineurs" (The Skaters), an old-fashioned skating party that features the school's children dancing alongside its advanced and faculty performers. Dancers will also jump back in time for a World War II era tap number "In the Mood." And, of course, the 4-year-old baby ballerinas will pull on their tutus and delight the audience.

Stay tuned for more. As the

school moves into its 58th season, directors plan to bring back professional Flamenco instruction and guest ballet choreographers for its spring production.

If you go

>>Where: Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m.

>>When: First Baptist Church Activities Center, 1735 Jackson St., Fort Myers

>>Cost: Free

>>Info: Call 334-3274 for more information about Dance Bochette classes and performances