The Lakeside Dance Academy, under the direction of Pam Ellis, held their annual spring dance concert on the last weekend in April. The theme this year was “That’s Entertainment!”, and with the help of volunteers and some very hard-working dancers, the performance was exactly that.
With almost fifty dancers, some of which danced in several dance numbers, there was a lot of moving parts but that’s what Lakeside performers and an experienced staff of volunteers have gotten used to. All of the dance classes held at the Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Center, the costume and lighting design comes to the much-anticipated finale each year, and each year does not disappoint.
Over the years the young dancers choose their favorite style. Some choose ballet, tap, jazz or pointe, and some have trouble choosing and so enjoy taking more than one class each season. For some they take so many classes they graduate and get the coveted Lakeside Dance Academy jacket. This year, that talented young lady was Liz Robare who did a strong, memorable and stylish performance in sync with her personality.
Another former student, Lily Webber also teaches the Creative Movement class, the very earliest of Rangeley area dancers. I say Rangeley area, because I know of at least one family who travel from Phillips to take advantage of the LDA offerings.
Each year I take photos at the final dress rehearsal so I can move around and not get in the way of the audience. It is because of these times during rehearsal that I see how much work is put into wrangling the kids, adjusting the lights, keeping track of each hair ribbon and tap shoe and I am in awe.
Then, when the curtain comes up, I have to wonder how many small towns get the pleasure of watching pre-school through high school dancers in one bonanza of a show each and every year. We are so very fortunate.
Performances like this cannot be run without the efforts of the dancers, their parents who chauffeur them around, the volunteers, and finally those who support the Rangeley Friends of the Arts whose Scholarship and Student Lessons program enables so many more students to attend. Thanks to everyone who continues to support these efforts.
On with the Show! from Loony Tunes, Company Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
Groove is in the Heart by Deelite, danced by the Creative Movement Class under the direction of Lily Webber: Olive Clinch, Leena Cowper, Mia Dutile, Celia Grierson, Clara Gurney, Eva Gurney, Claire Hayden, Ava Knight, Seamus Loud, Tenley Philbrick Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
Hall of Fame by The Script, danced by the Jazz I Class: Mya Gellman, Joslyn Kennett, Evelyn Vryhof, Morghan Webber Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
The Greatest by Sia, danced by the Jazz II Class: Troy Hathaway, Liz Robare, Audrey Sutherland, Angelica Woodward Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
The Entertainer by Scott Joplin, danced by the Ballet I Class: Bella Dutile, Penelope Farrar, Delaney Gage, Camille Harding, Lilliana Hjelmstad, Abby Kay, Addyson Kennedy, Samantha Landry, Harley Mendonca, Lydia O’Neil, Ellie Phadungchai, Anah Sutherland, Isabella Thomas, Ruby Willauer, Charlotte Wright Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
Pointe demonstration presented by the first year Pointe Students: Michelle Cerminara, Mya Gellman, Mia Lynch, Caroline Willis Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
Circus by Britney Spears, with choreography sequences by Averie Flewelling and Angelica Woodward, danced by the upper level Pointe Class: Averie Flewelling, Abby Grant, Ollie Sherrer, Angelica Woodward
Broadway Baby from Follies, danced by the Tap I Class: Mya Gellman, Joslyn Kennett, Addie Knieser, Lydia Lojas, Sarah Kate Murphy, Lily Stevens, Harper Wright, Micaela Vryhof Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
That’s Entertainment by Fred Astaire, danced by the Tap II Class: Mia Lynch, Stella MacFawn, Audrey Sutherland Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
This is the Greatest Show by Panic at the Disco, from The Greatest Showman Choreographed and danced by Senior Liz Robare (Performance featured Averie Flewelling, Mya Gellman, Troy Hathaway, Mia Lynch, Audrey Sutherland Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
Fame by Irene Cara, danced by the Ballet II Class: Sophie Burns, Paisley Fredette, Joslyn Kennett, Addie Knieser, Sarah Kate Murphy, Aliyah Reinholt, Lily Stevens Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
Applause by Lady Gaga, danced by the Ballet III Class: Michelle Cerminara, Averie Flewelling, Mya Gellman, Abby Grant, Troy Hathaway, Mia Lynch, Audrey Sutherland, Ollie Sherrer, Caroline Willis, Angelica Woodward Stephanie Chu-O’Neil
Production Staff
Choreography…………Pam Ellis, Lily Webber, Liz Robare, Averie Flewelling, Angelica Woodward
Emcee ……………………………………………….. Isobel Straub
Sound …………………………………..Kip Lynch, Val Zapolsky
Lighting Design………………………………………. Justin Orazi
Spotlight …………………………………… Rowenna Hathaway
Lighting Assistant………………………………………. Ana Orazi
Costume Design …………………………………………Pam Ellis
Costume Mistress………………………………….Christa Gacki
Costume Assistant………………………………. Allissa Gurney
Dressers…………………….Meghan Knieser, Christa Gacki, Abigail Thompson, Lindsey Kennett,
Kim Grant, Tina Falasco
Stage Manager………………………………………. Lily Webber
Hair…………………….Abigail Thompson, Nicole Alexander, Meghan Knieser, Lindsey Kennett,
Make-Up ………………………. Lily Webber, Skyela Burgess
Photography……………………………………….Sonja Johnson
Reception Coordinator………………………..Charyssa Farris
Reception Assistants….. Marley Cerminara, Tina Falasco
Wranglers………………………Jenn Gage, Meghan Knieser,
Kelly O’Neil, Abigail Thompson,
Heather Knight, Joanna Farrar
Clean up ………………………Jenn Gage, Marley Cerminara
Special Thanks to:
The Rangeley Friends of the Arts
Valerie Zapolsky, Justin Orazi,
The Rangeley Fitness Center Staff,
The Rangeley Region Health Center Board,
and all of the parents, families
and community members who support
the efforts of the Lakeside Dance Academy.
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