Desert Sun Performing Arts celebrates “A Dream Is a Wish”

Courtesy of Desert Sun Performing Arts

Desert Sun Performing Arts is presenting its 5th annual dance recital, and the whole community is invited. 

“A Dream Is a Wish” will be held May 21 at Maricopa High School. The afternoon show begins at noon, and the evening performance starts at 3 p.m. 

Tickets, which are currently available, are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Last year’s attendance was over 800 guests.

“A Dream Is a Wish” is a Disney-themed show, featuring hit songs like “Kiss the Girl,” “Tikki Room,” and a production number to “Alice in Wonderland.”  This year’s show features the award winning DSPA Gems competition team, and instructors will also be displaying their talents. 

An additional DSPA Gems Dancer Showcase is being held at 6 p.m. in the same location.  This showcase will feature all competitive dances, including solos, duos and trios that won high honors at multiple competitions. Tickets are only $5 in advance for the showcase and $10 at the door.

All tickets can be purchased through Desert Sun Performing Arts by calling 520-483-8915, or you can visit the studio at 19756 N John Wayne Parkway on the corner of John Wayne Parkway and Garvey Avenue. 

Gems and pearls auditions

Desert Sun Performing Arts is holding auditions for their award winning Desert Sun Performing Arts competition teams. The DSPA Gems are an elite level of dancers who compete and perform at the highest level. They are required to learn multiple styles of dance, including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary and jazz funk. Gems are divided into five companies:  Emeralds, Diamonds, Amethysts, Rubies and Sapphires.

These auditions will also include Maricopa’s only ballet company “The Pearls.”  This group will not be a competitive team; it will focus intensely on ballet with the intention of one day performing full ballets such as “The Nutcracker.”  This group is led by studio owner Ceylan Gentilella.

A mandatory information meeting will be held Monday, May 23, at 6:30 p.m. for parents only, in order to review all audition requirements, DSPA Gem class requirements and any questions parents may have.

Auditions will be Tuesday, May 24, at 6-7:30 p.m. for ages 9 and under, 7:30-9 p.m. for 10 and up. Contact Desert Sun Performing Arts at 520-483-8915 or at [email protected] to reserve an audition spot.