Malashock thinks you can dance. John Malashock, that is. He is a native La Jollan and dancer who returned to San Diego in 1984 after 10 years of touring with such modern dance troupes as Twyla Tharp. The purpose of Malashock’s return at age 30 was to establish what he thought would be a “more normal” life for himself, his wife, Nina, and their son, Duncan. To that end, Malashock even spent a few years in the world of business. But, he said, “You know how dance is — it called me back — there was not much choice in the matter.” The last thing he expected to do was found his own company. In 1988, along came the irrepressible Malashock Dance, and ever since, as a choreographer and dancer, Malashock has produced some of the city’s most exciting new works. “Most people know that dance, as a profession, is for very few people,” Malashock said. “But dance, as expression, can be for anybody, that there is really nothing like it. It’s humbling and it’s exhilarating and it teaches you things about your capabilities and limitations. It is an exercise in life, no question.” When the interviewer remarked how he’s grown, Malashock laughed and said, “Yeah. Older. It’s amazing how quickly you go from sort of being the new kid to being the old kid.” Celebrities and pro dancers For the past three years at Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall, Malashock Dance has produced a sold-out fundraiser titled “Malashock Thinks You Can Dance.” Having outgrown the Qualcomm facility, the event is moving to the Birch North Park Theatre on Oct. 9. There are 700 seats to fill (200 more), so Malashock thinks readers and dance fans must come share the fun. Asked where the idea came from, Malashock said, “Out of numerous people’s heads.” Around four years ago, he created a work titled “Fathom,” and board member Russell King brought a guest to see it. The guest was local resident and Champion Ballroom owner Mary Murphy, who at the time had become rather famous as a judge on television’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” “We began talking and thinking it would be nice to do an event that involved Mary and drew on her knowledge,” Malashock said. In fact, Murphy was the onstage host at the first “Malashock Thinks You Can Dance.” Much like the popular TV dance shows, Malashock’s fundraiser partners San Diego celebrities with professional dancers in a friendly ballroom dance competition. Among this year’s celebrity dance competitors are KFMB news anchor Carlo Cecchetto, Channel 4 sports anchor John Weisbarth, San Diego Asian Film Foundation executive director Lee Ann Kim and Gente Bien magazine creative director Danitza Villanueva. Though winners are determined by audience vote, celebrity judges are Brian Malarkey of “Top Chef” and San Diego radio personality Jerry Cesak. Yolanda S. Walther-Meade is event chair. Honorary chairs are Mayor Jerry Sanders, Rana Sampson and Dea and Osborn Hurston. Comedian emcee is Monique Marvez. VIP ticket holders will enjoy 6:30 p.m. pre-show cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The competition commences at 8 and all attendees are invited to a post-show “Meet the Dancers” party with coffee and dessert. Tickets range from $50 to $150. Proceeds from “Malashock Thinks You Can Dance!” benefit Malashock Dance Education Outreach and Scholarship programs, which serve more than 2,500 students at area schools, in Balboa Park and at Malashock’s Liberty Station studio. The Birch North Park Theatre is located at 2891 University Avenue, San Diego. For more information and tickets, go to www.malashockdance.org/thinksyoucandance.
