Celebrating fancy footwork and musical stars
Gander Dance Studio recital performing to hit songs sure to entertain
The Gander Dance Studio will soon be dancing to the stars you know and love.
The studio’s annual recital, this year themed Legends, Divas and Superstars, is just around the corner.
The program, to accommodate the high volume of dancers, will hold three shows across six nights with its Ruby Show on May 7 and 8, the Sapphire
Show on May 10 and 11, and concluding with the Emerald Show on May 13 and 14, at the Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre.
More than 100 dancers, from ages three to adult, from the studio will perform a variety of dance routines set to music by the likes of 20th century pop and rock stars such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Michael Jackson, ABBA, Queen and more.
The program is more than a recital, but a chance to entertain audiences with great dancing set to familiar music they can enjoy.
“We always try to keep in mind this year-end recital is entertainment,” Gander Dance Studio owner Rhonda O’Brien tells Central Wire.
“We want to make sure we’re entertaining the audience so they can tap their feet and clap along with us and really enjoy the experience that we’re enjoying.”
There will be 32 dance routines performed each evening. Dancing-wise there’s something for everyone, with performances in a variety of dance genres, such as ballet, lyrical, contemporary, Broadway, tap, jazz, hip-hop and Maritime step dancing.
The Gander Dance Studio has been hard at work preparing for this event all year. Registration for classes starts in September and everything the students learn builds up to this big show to close the year.
“Usually, the first part of the year, instructors are doing a lot of technique but they’re also keeping in mind picking out the song choice based on our theme,” O’Brien explains. “So really you’re planning year-round.”
In fact, she adds, they’re currently in the process of determining next year’s theme.
Costume, set design and stage props must be ordered and worked on throughout the year to make sure they’re ready for such a big production.
Not only will the routines entertain audiences, but it will be a great opportunity and experience for the performers.
“It’s the excitement, the thrill of being able to perform on the stage,” says O’Brien. “A great confidence builder to be able to get out in front of an audience and put on that smile and give it their all.”
It’s very exciting times in general for the Gander Dance Studio. The recital is coming off a recent successful competition in Halifax, N.S. The studio took home several awards, including the junior team winning first runner-up for overall high score.
It also comes as 21 dancers are rehearsing for a trip this June to Disney World, where they will be dancing in the Magic Kingdom Parade, as part of “Dance the World.” They will also perform four routines in a stage show at Epcot and participate in instructional workshops with top choreographers.
The Gander Dance Studio was founded by O’Brien in 1996. It offers classes in pre-ballet, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, Broadway, pre-tap, tap/Celtic step, taz/jazz combination, hip-hop and pop hop, as well as troupe/ competition teams by audition only. There are classes for all ages, from three to adult.
The year-end recital, which used to be one show, has expanded over the years to accommodate the growth in students. Legends, Divas and Superstars will be its 26th recital.
The studio is located at 88-90 Airport Blvd. in Gander and includes three fully equipped studios, recreational and competitive classes with an award-winning staff of experienced instructors and choreographers.
To learn more about the studio, visit ganderdancestudio.com
For tickets for Legends, Divas and Superstars, visit arts and culture centre. com or the Arts and Culture Centre box office.