The Art Center School of Dance Presents Spring Recital

The recital is in three parts, with the first being "Dances on Occasion" where a party is held in the home of Ellen (Ellen Watts) for her friends and family. Featured dancers include Caleb Donahoe, Elijah Boyles, Andrew Kennedy, Sheri Tadlock and Suzanne Bell. Molly Daniel and Amy Klim are performing solos. Children, teens and young adults also perform.

The second segment is "Divertissements" showcasing tap dancers in "Look At Me" and "I'm The One." "Tango Rosa," choreographed by Lauren Angel to music by Serkan Gurkan is the piece performed at the West Virginia Dance Festival this spring.

The ballet "Paquita" makes up the final segment. The ballet takes place in Spain during the occupation of Napoleon's army. The heroine is the young Gypsy girl, Paquita, danced by Candace Imperi. Paquita is really of noble birth, having been abducted by Gypsies when she was an infant. She saves the life of a young French officer, Lucien d'Hervilly, (Caleb Donahoe) who is the target of a Spanish governor (Ken Elliott) who desires to have him killed by Inigo, a Gypsy chief (Elijah Boyles). A medallion enables Paquita to discover she is of noble birth and a cousin to Lucien. As a member of nobility, she is able to marry the young officer.

Featured dancers include Michael Martin (General d'Hervilly), Elizabeth Martin (the General's wife), Amy Klim (Lucien's fiancé and the daughter of the Spanish governor) and Sheri Tadlock (the governor's wife).

The ballet is in two acts, with the first act featuring the Ladies of the Village, Gypsy Girls, Gypsy Boys and Men, and the Children. Act II is a  Reception, attended by Gentlemen and Ladies. Entertainment at the reception is provided by Amanda Assaly, Emily Assaly, and Rachel Enders, with solos performed by Sarah Hayes and Katie Wright.

The Corps de Ballet includes Amanda Assaly, Emily Assaly, Molly Daniel, Rachel Enders, Allison Harker, Sarah Hayes, YuanRong Jia-Reid, Amy Klim, Caressa Mainland, Deborah Novak, Rachel Tadlock, Ellen Watts and Katie Wright.

Make time this busy holiday weekend to attend this recital. Ella and her dancers always produce a magnificent show.

The Art Center will offer summer ballet classes beginning June 13th, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9:00 to 10:30 for younger students; 10:30 to 12:00 for intermediate and advanced students. Please register if you plan to attend. The Art Center School of Dance is located at 3720 Auburn Road, Huntington, WV 25704 and can be reached at 304-429-6606.

Pictures show the featured dancers Ellen Watts, Caleb Donahoe, Candace Imperi, Amy Klim and Elijah Boyles and other members of the cast.