As a child, Columbia native Harpootlian danced at Koger Center. Now a pro, she’s back

Columbia native Kate Harpootlian, a Dreher High School graduate and product of Columbia dance schools, will be dancing Wednesday at the Koger Center when her ensemble performs on its national tour.

Harpootlian is one of a dozen dancers in Shaping Sound, a contemporary dance company whose Koger work is titled “After the Curtain,” a tale about a choreographer who just has done his last show.

Harpootlian first appeared on the Koger Center stage more than 20 years ago, when she was 6 years old and in a pre-ballet program at a local dance studio.

“It’s surreal,” she said. “The Koger Center is where I got to do my recitals. To come back and be on that same stage, it tears me up. I’m doing what I always dreamed I’d be doing.”

Unlike many dance productions, “After the Curtain” has a story line that audiences won’t have trouble following, Harpootlian said. Some narration will be via words on large screen. The show appeals to all ages, she said.

The choreography is by Travis Wall, who has twice won Emmys for choreography and who arranges dances for the television show “So You Think You Can Dance.” Most dancers in the show, including Harpootlian, have been on “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dancing With The Stars” or Broadway.