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Budding Divaz audition for local dance troupe

Nick Rotunno | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 14 years, 4 months AGO
by Nick Rotunno
| February 27, 2011 8:00 PM

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<p>From left, Brenda Elliff, Kay Mills and Mary Jo Kringas work on their dance moves at Blazen Divaz auditions on Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church.</p>

COEUR d'ALENE - The Blazen Divaz are back in action.

On Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene, the all-female, nonprofit dance troupe held auditions for soon-to-be stars. Around 20 fledgling Divaz stepped, ball-changed and shimmied on the carpeted floor of the church gymnasium.

"We've got a good turnout here. Lots of enthusiasm," said John Parmann, president of the Divaz and the group's producer. "People showed up early, so that's always a good sign. We do orientation, and we walk them through a small warmup, and we teach them a routine."

It's been over a year since the Blazen Divaz organized in January 2010. Since then, the group has performed at parades and events all over North Idaho. They bounced through downtown Osburn, danced in Post Falls and put on a show at the Festival of Trees.

At the Fourth of July Parade, they were a main attraction.

The gals are anywhere from 18 to 80 years old, and they practice three times per week.

"I'm seeing that there's a lot of talent, a lot of potential," said Divaz CEO Julia Parmann, John's wife, looking over the new crop of dancers. "We have a lot of women that have never had any dancing experience."

The Divaz enjoy the camaraderie and friendship that comes with performing, Julia added.

"And when you practice every day, you definitely form some kind of bond," she said.

Some Divaz are retired or stay-at-home moms, but others have full-time day jobs - there's attorneys, nurses and other working professionals hiding among the ranks.

"They build off each other," John said. "Everybody gets a talent of some sort. And it's utilized here. This is all about creativity."

With music thumping in the background, the dancers practiced some complicated choreography. A few had trouble with the steps, but most were catching on quick.

Choreographer Becky Lassiter, also a local cheerleading coach, led the routine.

"It's great, it's so much fun," said Joan Massey of Hauser, who auditioned Saturday. "So much energy, and everybody here is so nice. I just moved here from out of town, so I want to meet people, have fun with people. And I think this is where I'm going to do it."

All Divaz make the cut, no matter their skill level. At least 35 dancers are required for any performance, so the leaders like to have plenty of Divaz ready to go. The troupe boasts 63 members, not including Saturday's newcomers.

"I've never done anything like this before," said Arlene Reese of Coeur d'Alene. "I wanted to be a part of this group, and do parades and community events. It's challenging, and I'm just starting to pick it up."

The Blazen Divas plan to kick off their dancing season at an event in Trail, British Columbia, this May.

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