DSPA’s 4th annual spring recital features 180 student dancers

Little girls (and a few boys) in sequined costumes, dance slippers and carefully styled hair took to the Maricopa High School multi-purpose room stage Saturday afternoon for DSPA’s 4th annual spring recital. Students were there to send the message:  “You Should Be Dancin’!”

And dance they did—in two different shows—for the enjoyment of nearly 500 friends and family members. During the first show at 2 p.m. 28 dances were presented with 34 dance routines performing onstage during the second show at 4:30 p.m.

Even some parents graced the stage for a number called “Smooth Criminal.” Mothers/dancers included Kayci Amos, Laurie Brown, Nicole DelBianco, Julie Becking, Julie Lostritto, Julie Stanfill, Norma Turino, Beth Mundell, Carrie Vargas, Janelle Lindseth, Lisa Thornal, Christine Nechvatal, Christine DeLuca, Kim Miller and Courtny Tyler. “I was actually pretty nervous going onstage in front of all those people,” said Amos.

Professional dancers and choreographers Julie Stanfill, Sandee Walker, Jennifer Stanley and Miguel Acero also danced, giving students an opportunity to see their instructors perform.

“Our students have worked hard this year to prepare for the recital,” said Ceylan Gentilella, Desert Sun Performing Arts director. “I am so proud of each and every child’s growth throughout this year.”

As the recital program stated in regard to the dancers:  “We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams; we are the dancers, we create the dreams.”

Desert Sun Performing Arts, located on the corner of John Wayne Parkway and Garvey Avenue, features the Rising Stars program for ages 2-5, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Jazz Funk, and Inspire, a unique program for dance lovers with special needs.

Photos by Joyce Hollis and Carolyn Struble