Jimmy Shields performed in last year's KRUNK. (Drew Perine/The News Tribune)

In a time of shrinking payrolls, budgets and optimism a nonprofit Hilltop arts group is growing its season.

Now in its sixth year, The D.A.S.H. Center for the Arts is expanding its offerings of dancing and theater. The organization serves primarily African-American, inner city and other minority youth and allows these kids to develop dancing and acting talent that might otherwise go untapped.

I attended one of the nonprofit group's KRUNK dance showcases at Mount Tahoma High School two years ago and left in awe from the high energy talent.
 
This season, D.A.S.H (Dancing And Singing in Harmony) is producing the hit musical "The Wiz," returning the Annual KRUNK Dance Showcase and presenting an original teen created and performed drama, "Never No More."  

I spoke with Brenda Garcia-Brown, the community outreach director at D.A.S.H. today. She said "Never No More" consists of true life domestic violence experiences of Pierce County youth.

Garcia-Brown said the show addresses issues that teens face and provides an opportunity to open the door of communication with parents.

"We want to give these kids an opportunity to say what's on their mind," she said.

The casts for all these shows are Tacoma/Pierce County youth and young adults.
  
"The Wiz" runs January 22-Feb 1, KRUNK returns on March 7 and "Never No More" runs April 9-12. All shows are at Mount Tahoma High.

Tickets will be available at the D.A.S.H. Center, 1504 MLK Jr. Way and online at www.brownpapertickets.com.  For more information or to volunteer visit www.thedashcenter.org or call 253-572-3274.