FAIRMONT - For 16 years, community members young and old have gathered together for a night of entertainment in the name of furthering education, and this year will be no different.
While each year brings a different mix of performances at the Partners in Education variety show, the 2010 show will feature more original compositions than in the past.
"We have three different acts doing original pieces," said PIE spokesperson Helen Gould. "They are very talented."
PIE's 17th annual variety show will feature original musical compositions on piano, guitar and voice; originally choreographed dances; and a smattering of covers, including music from The Beatles and Mama Mia.
Fairmont's Navel Academy Dancers will perform a veil dance to "Ojos Asi."
One of the groups will be performing what their choreographer, Tari Riley, calls an acrobatic swing dance to "Rockin' Robin." They began rehearsals in December.
"I thought we should put together a number for the talent show, where more people could enjoy their enthusiastic dance ability," she said.
Gould said the PIE variety show is a good time for all ages, as the entire community is represented.
"We have representatives from all the schools and adults from the community," said Gould.
Students from Five Lakes and the Junior/Senior High will be displaying their talents, while Budd School is represented by the program's emcees - Michelle Traetow and Kurt Isenberg.
The variety show is one of the group's three major fundraisers.
Gould said the organization awarded $15,000 in grants over the last 12 months.
The variety show begins 7 p.m. Thursday at the Performing Arts Center of Fairmont High School. Tickets are $10 for a family, $5 for adults, and $3 for students.
