By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The jazzy tunes of George Gershwin will fill the Grebel Center for Dance this Valentine’s Day at the eighth annual Dessertissements fundraising event. This year’s theme is Fall in Love with Gershwin and the event kicks off at 2 p.m. Feb. 14.

“It helps to pay for some students that are on scholarship, ones that cannot afford it or are very talented,” said Debbie Grebel. “It’s been very successful, so we hope that we get a good turnout this year as well.”

The event benefits the Alabama Youth Ballet, and Grebel said it is not only essential for scholarships but also for funding productions.

The event features a silent auction, wine and dessert tastings, live music and a special performance by Grebel and Alabama Youth Ballet dancers. Grebel said students 9 years old and up prepare extensively for the event.

She explained that the event usually has a turn out of about 100 people. The attendees can bid on silent auction items and enjoy desserts, and then the event moves into the large studio around 3:30 p.m.

Students will perform pieces they are learning for the spring show, featuring Gershwin music, and there will be a small presentation with speakers.

Grebel said the studio will sometimes host a dance lesson for the adults while children participate in activities in the Children’s Corner. That time is also used to award door prizes.

“It’s real nice and intimate, so it’s a lot of fun,” Grebel said.

She said that people always seem to enjoy it and come back every year. Newcomers also frequent the event from year-to-year.

Tickets are $25 for couples, $12 for singles, $5 for children under 10 and free for children under 4. All proceeds from this event go directly to the Alabama Youth Ballet Company.

For more information, visit Grebeldance.com or call 987-7234.