Students step onstage for PRL dance program recital Wednesday

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Step. Turn. Step. Feet together; now turn and bow. No, it’s not backstage at a Broadway production. Giggling, excited and very enthusiastic, young dance students are practicing for their big evening onstage, the recital.

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Maricopa’s very own chorus line.

The City of Maricopa’s Dance Program, under the direction of instructor Elizabeth Fujimoto, will be showcased at Pima Butte Elementary School this Wednesday, November 2, at 7 p.m.

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Natasha Nechvatal is especially proud of her boa.

Fujimoto began her dance career in 1994. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah, earned after receiving a full ballet scholarship to America’s number one ballet school. Having taught over 1,300 students, she helped launch the city’s dance program. She will open her own studio in early 2006.

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Miss Elizabeth, as her students call her, loves teaching them dance steps and techniques

“The success of the dance program has been tremendous,” explained Parks, Recreation and Libraries Director Martin McDonald. “Our instructor Elizabeth Fujimoto is a saint and a wonderful teacher. She cares deeply for the kids and their overall dance experience. She takes the time to work with them, especially the really young ones. She’s an All-Star Instructor!”

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It is always important to stretch before you dance.

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One of the more important moves involves keeping your heels together like this.”We started with about 26 kids in the fall of 2004 and just two classes,” added McDonald. “Our next dance session begins in January with registration tentatively scheduled to start on November 21. We’re hoping to add two more children’s dance classes and a couple of classes for adults as well.”
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Sometimes even Natasha Nechvatal (left) and Erin McBride have to take a rest break.

The PRL-sponsored dance program currently offers classes like Tiny Tot (ages 3 – 5), which explores tap and pre-ballet, Mini Princess (ages 5 – 7) for basic steps and technique using classical and Disney princess music and Snazzy Jazz for ages 6 – 8. Hip Hop Dance for ages 10 -12 and Ballet for ages 8 -10 are also offered.

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Ashley Tse looks and moves like a prima ballerina.

Classes have a limit of 15 students. They are scheduled throughout the year in segments of seven, weekly classes. The sessions are held in the early evening and last one hour each. For further information, contact McDonald at (520) 568-9098, Ext. 204.

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Ann Jamieson isn’t quite sure about the value of stretching before you dance.

Enjoy Wednesday evening’s recital, and don’t forget to register this month for the next session of the city’s very successful dance program.

Photos courtesy of Amy Jamieson