Marnell Xavier’s West Coast Dance Theatre (WCDT) is now preparing for its 46th annual musical song and dance productions, “Dance to the Music.” Two different productions on two different days, but both are a cavalcade of fluorescent colors, pop tunes and funky, fancy footwork. 

“Under The Sea,” a one-act production celebrating 46 years of one, two and three generations of West Coast Dancers takes place Wednesday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Ave. The performance will showcase tiny tots to adults with four months of professional experience.

“Bay Area Sports and A Fairy Tale Swamp,” a second one-act production, will take place on Saturday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the John and Jean Knox Center for Performing Arts, Contra Costa College, 2600 Mission Bell Drive, in San Pablo. This performance will showcase the West Coast Performers in a high-energy musical song and dance production.

The West Coast Dance Theatre, under the direction of Marnell Xavier, is the longest-running dance studio in Alameda; second and third generations of West Coast Dancers perform together. Xavier has been performing for the good people of Alameda since she was four years old and has donated her talent and services to many community events locally and all over the world. 

“It’s great to win a trophy, but the real-life-over-all-super award will go to the dancer who wins the hearts of the audience,” said Xavier. “I hope my dancers dance because they love it, feel it and feel positive.”

The West Coast Dance Theatre Alameda is the home of the West Coast Performers International Touring Company. This talented group of teens and young adults have volunteered and performed in Alameda, throughout the United States and all over the world. Over the past several years they have traveled to Japan, Puerto Rico, Russia, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Italy, France, England, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Western Caribbean, Florida, New York, Utah, Las Vegas and Hawaii.

This summer the group is looking forward to traveling to the Dominican Republic, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Turks and Caicos islands in the Bahamas to perform their productions.

Tickets are on sale now in advance only. For tickets and more information, call 499-3708 or write to wcdancealameda@aol.com.