NORWICH – The Donna Frech School of Dance will present its 36th annual recital this weekend, “Wanna Be Startin’ Something.” Evening performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; matinee performances are at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, all at the Norwich High School.
This year’s performances are the culmination of a dance year filled with hard work, discipline, fun, dreams and, after last year’s milestone 35th anniversary recital, the DFSD is announcing with this year’s performances that they are starting off the next 35 years with as much enthusiasm, hard work and desire to help fulfill dreams as the last 35.
The dancers are nurtured throughout the year by caring experienced faculty who encourage them to imagine the possibilities. “Whether an intensive dancer studying at the studio many days a week, or a child who just loves being involved in a dance class or two, dance sparks the heart of the soul .... and that will be evident as audiences are treated to performances this weekend that are sure to please all,” said studio owner Donna Frech. “The choreography, music, costumes and whole concept of the performance will make you think you’re watching a professional touring company. The persona of the dancers electrifies the stage and will draw you into every moment.”
The performances are intertwined around music from all genres and ages. The audience will not only hear but feel the music and, combined with the visuals created through dance, all who attend the performances will know the joy and hard work, each and every dancer, teacher and staff member has put into the year end performance.
In the matinee, younger performers ‘wanna be startin’ something’ too! “Seeing the smiles and joy on their faces as they step out on stage is priceless and the audience will almost hear the little ones saying ‘Hey look! I can do it too!’ And oh can they indeed fill the shoes of the older performers who have been where they are now. They may be little, but they sure can ‘start something’ of their own!” Frech said.
This weekend’s performances of the DFSD ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Something’ will have something for everyone. The performances are filled with traditional and innovative forms of the performing art of dance: tap, ballet, jazz, acrobatics, lyrical, modern/contemporary, musical theater and hip hop.
If you haven’t seen a Donna Frech School of Dance annual performance recently, you won’t want to miss this one. Many of the dancers in this weekend’s performances are members of their award winning dance groups. This weekend’s performances are the culmination of hard work, commitment, and dedication of all students enrolled at the school.
“The year end recital is a wonderful experience. This is especially true for the younger students, who have learned that they can have fun while learning to dance” said Frech. “Whether it’s the intensive study student who attends classes 4-5 times a week, or the recreational student attending class once or twice a week, they all come together with a strong commitment, to present our awesome year end performance,” she said.
The cast of the senior performances (evening shows) is made up of a variety of dancers. Some students have been dancing for as many as 15 years; some are younger and this is their first time performing in the senior recital. There are several classes of adults who have enjoyed taking to the stage each year, and wouldn’t miss the excitement of it all. Of course, there is some comic relief too (you’ll just have to see it to believe it). Students in the matinee recital range from young, first time dancers up through the DFSD company dancers, who open the show with their performance of their production number ‘The Wiz.’
The matinee performance exhibits the talents of the younger students. Although some may be just starting out in their dance training, it is very apparent that these tiny performers thoroughly enjoy what they are doing. The faces that light up the stage in such memorable songs as ‘Singing In The Rain,’ ‘Lollipop, Lollipop’ and ‘Put On A Happy Face’ truly compliment the dancing of the younger generation of performers.
“The younger students are amazing to watch on stage. The real tiny ones are just so cute,” said Frech. “It is so gratifying to know that we have been able to offer them a little glance into the world of performing arts. I love the little ones, they are such a joy to teach. It is so rewarding to see young students progress through the years and become beautiful dancers,” she said.
There’s no real pressure for the young students in dance class, just an enjoyable experience. Eventually, if they wish to further their dance education, they have the option of being enrolled in a more intense dance program at the dance school. Throughout the last 36 years, many dance students have passed through the doors at The Donna Frech School of Dance. Frech can proudly boast that many of her dance students have become dance teachers and studio owners themselves. Several of the students in this weekend’s performances are the children of students who have studied with the school.
Instructors Donna Frech, Kathleen Cragle, Sherry Funke, Kristen Miller, Kayla Stage, Teri Velardi and Andrea Wilson invite you to an enjoyable weekend of dance and entertainment. “A special thank you to parents, family and friends behind the scenes who have made it possible to present such wonderful performances,” Frech said.
Tickets are available at Donna Frech School of Dance, The First Edition- Norwich, Service Pharmacy in New Berlin & Sherburne, Bartle’s Pharmacy in Oxford, and Video Entertainment Plus in Sidney and at the door prior to each performance.