NORWICH – In a blatant disregard for theatrical superstition, the Amber Perkins School of the Arts showcases its 13th annual recital this weekend, giving it the title, “Good Luck,” words not generally spoken in the theater.
“I’m not superstitious,” said Mikey Perkins, choreographer and co-director of the Norwich and Vestal studios with his sister, Amber. “So, it’s really just a play on words for us, and reminds us of our grandmother, who collected more four leaf clovers than anyone we know.”
Wishing anyone “Good Luck” on stage in the theater is considered taboo, even a threat to one’s performance. Saying, “Break A Leg,” or the adverse sentiment, is often wished as a substitute.
The Perkins’ grandmother, Anna Fama, whom they call “a big spirit” will no doubt smile from heaven where she has rested for the past three years as her grandchildren pay tribute to the lighthearted themes of good luck she often espoused, from hanging horseshoes, collecting lucky pennies and placing trolls above her bingo card.
The action gets underway Friday night, June 11 at 7 p.m. in the Norwich High School Auditorium, on Midland Drive in Norwich. It continues on Saturday, June 12 with a matinee performance at 1 p.m., an evening performance again at 7 and the final show on Sunday at 1. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at the studios on Birdsall Street and in Vestal, at Service Pharmacy and First Edition Bookstore in Norwich, and at Bartle’s Pharmacy in Oxford.
Award winning performers will leap, tap and twirl across the stage in all styles of dance choreographed by the studios’ 21 staff and guest teachers – a handful of them professional dancers themselves. The Amber Perkins School of the Arts is well known in the dance world for its study in modern dancing and adagio, experimenting with styles from Martha Graham and Katherine Dunham to ethnic African and urban hip hop.
Amber and Mikey, along with teachers Derek Stratton, Travis St. Denny, Andrew King and Christina Jensen, all took home choreography prizes in March from the American Dance Awards regional competition held in Binghamton. The production pieces, “Green” and “Debussy,” received first place awards as did the large group, “The Good Life”; small group, “Four Elements”; Jensen’s duo “Yin Yang,” featuring Kaitlyn Jackson of Norwich and Lauren King of Vestal; and Amber’s duo “Parce Mihi Domine,” featuring Robin Wonka of Oxford and Blake Zelesnikar of Johnson City.
From a large group number that plays tribute to the popular television series, “Lost,” to performances based on poetry, the theater or classical music – with a tribute to Stevie Wonder tapped out in between – this year’s Lucky 13th dance recital promises something for everyone.
According to Amber, a lot of the numbers are more lighthearted this year. “There’s a new aura with more choreographers involved, and the returning students who put their lives on hold to come back and perform with us bring in a sense of awe for everyone. They’ve made a sacrifice to be in our sanctuary at the studio, and the younger students learn from them,” she said.
“The younger students have been sponges. We haven’t had to push very hard. They want it for themselves. We’ve had a lot of fun this year,” said Mikey.
Returning choreographer St. Denny, on break from touring as a member of the Garth Fagen dance company, said he hopes to infuse a new sense of musicality in his students. “A lot of kids are so focused they forget to enjoy their movements. We don’t want them to forget their love for dancing,” he said.