She looked poised and polished throughout the annual recital for Elite Dance Studio, but Melanie Naumann said she felt “terrified” in the days building up to the show.
“My previous studios had twenty to thirty students,” Melanie said. “This was the biggest recital I’ve done.” She said her anxieties settled quickly when the show started and she saw how her students responded. “They danced really well, and had so much fun,” she said. “I’m so proud of them.”
Students from Elite lit up the stage for 25 years under the previous owners, Kathy Mock and family. Melanie bought the studio last summer, and her love for dance and boundless energy showed in every performance. The early June recital played to a large, enthusiastic crowd at The Aud.
The program included a variety of performances, including ballet, contemporary and hip-hop. Cheerleading students showed off their enthusiasm, others demonstrated circus skills, and the cast ranged from adorable little princesses to accomplished performers. Melanie also took the stage, dancing with other Elite instructors.
Many of the ensemble numbers included mini-solos, giving each student a brief spotlight. “Kids can blend in with a group number,” Melanie said, “and the little breaks gave each of them a moment to shine!”
That format also gave audience members more freedom to respond to individual performers, and the dancers fed off the energy.
The program included other unusual touches, such as a cellist sharing the stage during one ballet number, with the bass violin’s haunting sounds reverberating throughout The Aud.
Ashlynn Lockhart sang “Maybe This Time,” and her soaring voice filled the house. Emma Hutchens demonstrated musical theater skills, and Olivia Dignan also had a vocal solo.
The Elite website has an impressive list of classes for the fall term. Until then, students can choose from a series of summer camps, including ballet, hip-hop, circus arts, cheer, and tumbling. Kids can sign up for Princess and Super Hero Camp or Fantasy Garden Art and Dance Camp.
Even the course names sound fun.
More information about Elite programs is available at wwweliteberryville.com, or at (479) 981-0850.