Pam Trokanski Dance Theatre plans a day to remember on Saturday to celebrate its 40th birthday
Plus, Ryan Kreidler's very excellent day and Sac State's move to the FBS
LORD OF THE DANCE ... If you stopped 100 folks on the streets of Davis and asked them which persons in town had a significant influence on the quality of their life, I'd be willing to bet that more often than not the name Pamela Trokanski would be on their lips.
She's not quite a one-name wonder like Cher or Madonna, but to those who have learned or danced or performed or simply witnessed the magic coming out of the Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre over the last 40 years, there is no other "Pam" in town.
Did I say 40 years?
Indeed, on Saturday the Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre will have been serving our town for the last 40 years, which seems impossible when you encounter the ever-youthful, ever-enthusiastic, ever-present Pam. Unless, of course, she started the Theatre in utero.
Years ago, Pam had a dream that seemed nearly impossible, but she successfully chased it, cut through the various shades of red tape and opened her stunning studio and theatre by rolling up her sleeves, standing her ground and never taking "no" for an answer.
She has taught her art to literally thousands of Davisites, young and old, many of whom have put on stirring performances before live audiences that they likely never thought possible.
Whether she is teaching and encouraging toddlers or high schoolers or nonagenarians, Pam has the unique ability to bring out hidden talents in everyone she encounters.
Public performances at her Dance Theatre, almost invariably written and narrated by Pam, make us think and ponder and sometimes laugh with the performers as they present unique themes and demonstrate the beauty of movement.
Noted Pam, always giving credit to others, "It has become clearer to me with every passing year that I was lucky enough to get to do this with my life, not because of me, but because of all the dancers, board members, audience members and community that supported the work for 4 decades. It's really humbling and amazing. The event is meant to say thank you to everyone for their part in it."
The good news is that Pam is not using this occasion to hang up her slippers after 40 years.
The further good news is that we are all invited to join in the celebration this Saturday (April 5 from 3-6 p.m.) at the Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre at 2720 Del Rio Place in Davis. We're all invited, whether or not we've ever been there before and don't know the difference between a pliƩ and a Prius.
As the invitation notes, "Come see friends, share memories, enjoy refreshments and dance performances, view our gallery of costumes, photos and props and have your picture taken (with or without Fabio) in our photo booth. Help us celebrate 40 years and come see what's in store for years to come."
Hopefully, that means yet another 40 years with Pam in our midst.
SPEAKING OF LOCAL HEROES ... Former Davis High School and UCLA superstar Ryan Kreidler is one of those rare people who can honestly say that at one point in the 2025 Major League Baseball season his batting average was a cool 1.000.
Can't get any better than that.
Kreidler, a winner on and off the field, made the Opening Day starting lineup for the Detroit Tigers and made the most of it, pounding a line-drive single sharply to left in his first at bat to lead off the top of the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Dodger Stadium.
But wait, there's more.
With the Dodgers at bat in the bottom half of the fourth and Kreidler playing centerfield, he made a spectacular diving one-handed catch near the wall to rob Tommy Edman of at least a double, maybe more.
Landing hard, but holding onto the ball, Kreidler turned the loose dirt on the warning track into his own personal Slip-n-Slide. (See video here).
Go Tigers.
Go Blue Devils.
HORNETS ON THE MOVE ... Rumor has it that Sacramento State plans to immediately move its football program to the Football Bowl Subdivision, a step up from the Football Championship Subdivision where the Hornets currently compete along with UC Davis.
Because Sac State does not yet have a conference to move to, it plans to compete as an independent, which requires approval from the NCAA.
The Hornets will compete with UC Davis in the Big Sky Conference this fall, but will leave the conference at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
While CSU-Sacramento was 3-9 overall last fall and tied for last in the Big Sky with a 1-7 mark, Hornet brass are optimistic about football fortunes under new head coach Brennan Marion, formerly the offensive coordinator at UNLV.
Sac State also plans to tear down its existing stadium and replace it with a 25,000-seat venue.
While moving up to the FBS seems to also be in UC Davis' long-range plans, it remains to be seen if Sac State's announcement will hasten UCD's move.
The Aggies were 11-3 last season and second in the Big Sky at 7-1 under first-year head coach Tim Plough, advancing to the quarterfinal round of the FCS playoffs.
Reach me at bobdunning@thewaryone.com
Bravo Pam!
thank you Pamela Trokanski šš» 40+ more years please šŖ©