Dancers from Sheridan Dance Academy will perform award-winning pieces at the academy’s annual end-of-year performance this Thursday, June 13.
During the recital, dancers as young as two will showcase a variety of dance styles, including jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop and musical theatre.
The theme of this year’s performance is New York, said instructor Mariah Sheridan Runions. “Right now we are in the midst of doing fundraising for our next New York trip,” she explained, “so most of our songs are to do with New York or the big city.”
The performance comes after a dance competition in early May where Sheridan’s competitive dance team took home multiple medals.
Nine dancers from the academy attended the Shine Dance Festival in North Vancouver, winning nine silvers and three golds. One standout was Madison Gunther, who took home first place with her jazz solo. At eight years old, Madison was the only Powell River performer to enter the junior category.
The team also earned top marks in group performances, winning gold medals for both a jazz number and a musical theatre rendition of the West Side Story hit “America.”
The competitive group consisted of Rachael Barton-Bridges, 17, Robin Thomas, 16, Eden Head, 14, Emily White, 13, Julia Marquis, 13, Sydney Ford, 12, Abby Head, 12, and Alexis Schofield, 12.
Sheridan Runions said she was happy with the performance. “I was really proud of them,” she explained. “I was especially impressed with the musical theatre performance because it takes a lot to bare yourself like that on stage.”
This was the third competition the team has attended this year, following performances at Powell River Festival of Performing Arts and a competition in Victoria.
All competitive pieces will play a part in Thursday’s recital, which takes place in Evergreen Theatre, Powell River Recreation Complex.
“People should come for a night of entertainment,” said Sheridan Runions. “These girls are honestly so talented. It’s a pleasure to come out and watch.”
The recital starts at 6 pm with doors opening at 5:30 pm. Tickets will be sold for $10 at the door.
