Search PentictonNow
The Penticton Art Gallery (PAG) is partnering with the South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) Pride organization and holding an 80’s Dance Party Saturday evening at the gallery on Marina Way.
Antonella De Michelis, development officer at PAG, said the dance party is going to be a blast.
“We urge people to dress up in their favourite 1980s outfit and come on down to the gallery for an evening of dancing and fun,” she said.
This is the first time PAG has partnered with SOS Pride to host an event of this nature and she’s hoping a good crowd will show up Saturday evening, said De Michelis.
“This is a fundraiser for SOS Pride and it’s also being held in conjunction with our current exhibit called Ipseity, which explores the issues of gender identity and sexuality,” she said. “Dress up in your best 1980s clothes and come down for a great old time.”
De Michelis said she hopes to see plenty of hairspray, shoulder pads, leg warmers and neon amongst those attending the dance.
PAG’s website states, “the 1980’s was the era of feel good movies, storylines about beating the odds in a World that became better than the old school grey attitudes of previous generations.
"A world that was positive, filled with colour and care free attitudes were the order of the day. Boomboxes, Walkmans, rollerblading and spandex were cool. Wham, Culture Club and Bronski Beat brought new and more open minded attitudes towards LGBTQ people and the world became a little more compassionate.”
“People were open to identify themselves in ways previously frowned upon … they all found their voice, and where not afraid to show it. Music was everything.”
DJ Shakes will be providing the musical entertainment and there will be two drag shows over the course of the evening, she said.
There will also be door prizes and other prizes for best costumes and dancers, she said.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door and purchasing a ticket will also pay for a 2018-19 SOS Pride membership.
Tickets are available at the front desk of PAG or from SOS Pride members. For more information, visit the PAG website at www.pentictonartgallery.com.