NORWICH – Audiences attending the Amber Perkins School of the Arts performances this coming weekend should expect a twist, a flip and a 180 degree departure from shows in the past.

In light of the tough economic climate this year, studio owner/choreographer Amber Perkins and her choreographer brother, Mikey, have designed junior and senior recitals that purport to showcase the lighter side of life like family, friends and fun.

“We all came together back in October to brainstorm about ideas. We decided to warm it up inside the studio because things were getting bad outside. We didn’t want to take everything too seriously,” said Mikey.

The result? Dance numbers accompanied by party music from Earth, Wind & Fire, rock from the Beatles, Pat Metheny-style jazz, in your face Honky Tonk and Scott Joplin’s Ragtime.

“Sometimes you have to go back before you can go forward. We thought about what we would like to see, what kinds of music had inspired us in the past to dance and create. And we wanted to have more fun this year, turn to different, less serious styles of music,” said Amber.

Titled “One80,” four Amber Perkins School of the Arts performances will be held this weekend, June 12-14 at the Norwich High School auditorium, Midland Drive, Norwich. Senior shows are Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and junior performances are Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.