Forward Motion Dance Company presents: The 22nd Annual ARTS SENSATION! Variety Showcase of Music and Dance
A Benefit Performance for Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
7:30 p.m. April 3, 2026
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Main Stage
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Tickets are $37.45 general admission and includes all taxes & fees. Please contact Thalian Hall Box Office online or call 910.632.2285 for ticket reservations.
The 22nd Arts Sensation! transforms the Main Stage at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts – our beneficiary this year! This music and dance spectacular brings together local musicians and dance artists from a variety of genres to share their vast talents for a thoroughly entertaining evening. Forward Motion Dance Company is proud to be a resident dance company for THCPA and of our legacy of bringing quality dance performances to this historic venue. This presentation supports the THCPA Capital Campaign that is more than a renovation, it is a reimagining and expansion of the space that has doubled in size to create a dynamic place to meet the needs of our area’s ever-growing audience and artists. Thalian Hall is a cornerstone of our city’s identity and the Capital Campaign will ensure that future generations continue to experience the magic of live performance in a space that reflects the energy, diversity, and creativity of our community. To showcase some of the marvels of Thalian Hall, come enjoy a special presentation of the unique and historic Thunder Roll and Rain Machine special effects, built right into the Thalian Hall stage, that were innovative and thrilling in their time.
Musical entertainment is from local favorite Benny Hill, who brings a quartet to the stage, well-versed in many styles and genres while specializing in jazz steeped in the tradition of many past greats yet presenting a distinct style of his own. Benny is a true crowd pleaser and never fails to produce excitement and enthusiasm on stage.
Arts Sensation! also brings a variety of dance creations from many genres. Tap performances are from the Hi Steppers, who will perform to “Big Time”, and the Company “T” Tap Dancers who will dance a new piece to music by Sarah Vaughan and choregraphed by Tracey Varga. Three jazz-modern pieces choreographed by Tammy Daniels, Linda Ann Webb and Tracey Varga will be part of the exciting evening, as well as a classical ballet piece danced by Madeleine Ramsey, a jazz-theatre solo presented by Laurie Wood to “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra, and a high-energy cultural Latin dance performed by eight dancers from Itzayan Danza Folklorico. Third-grade students from the Snipes Academy of Arts and Sciences will move to music composed by local musician Julia Walker Jewell, led by dancer and instructor Jeneen Cleare Floyd. Alexandra Hartline and Shane Elliott will share their ballroom dancing talents in a piece choreographed by dancer and instructor Erin Pick.
The 22nd Arts Sensation! is presented by Forward Motion Dance Company. This music and dance variety show began in 2001, created by Tracey Varga and produced each year by Forward Motion Dance Company to bring together local musicians and dance artists in support of local organizations that provide arts and community support. For more information, please visit us on Facebook or at forwardmotiondance.org.