“To see us dance is to hear our hearts sing” is a well-known saying, and the more than 200 dancers from seven area towns in Wilton Dance Studio’s 2015 Spring production know this first hand. They’re ready to share their year’s work during the studio’s annual Spring Shows on Sunday, June 7 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Wilton High School’s Clune Center for the Performing Arts.
Each year, the show is divided into multiple acts to feature different aspects of students’ work. The first is the classical ballet “Sleeping Beauty.” It follows the traditional story of Princess Aurora, her good fairy friends, and her troubles with the evil fairy Carabosse who is not amused at being left off of Aurora’s Christening guest list. Of course, the ballet ends in a joyful wedding. The ballet features full professional sets and costumes and is kept to a manageable length for audiences of all ages.
The performance features choreography suited to the wide range of ages and abilities of the dancers involved. Brenda Froehlich, Wilton native, owner and artistic director of the studio said, “We love to perform a classical ballet because it allows our dancers to experience the power of dance as a story-telling medium. The show this year was especially collaborative when it came to choreography, with our wonderful instructors helping to design a performance that allows all our dancers to shine.”
Wilton High School graduating senior Sharon Fischer, a featured dancer in this year’s show, said “My favorite part of this show is that everyone has a part. A lot of the choreography is challenging and it’s been really wonderful to watch the younger girls in the class work hard to improve their pieces. Everyone has a chance to showcase their abilities.”
Kristen Prescott, Wilton Dance Studio instructor and a dancer herself, helped with this year’s performance and notes that diversity of the teaching staff enhances the performance.
“While it’s definitely been a challenge, as the teachers all have different styles and backgrounds, it has been so exciting to watch it all fall into place. It’s rewarding to see the dancers displaying the technical advances that they’ve made over the course of the year and to watch them come alive with the music.”
Instructor Peter Nevin not only helps with the performance, but is part of it as well this year, joining his students on stage as Aurora’s Prince.
“I’ve really enjoyed the process of choreographing for a wide age and ability range. For me, this entails seeking a balance of challenging steps while presenting the students at their aesthetic best. I feel fortunate to work with such an eager and energetic group of young dancers, and I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with them too,” he said.
In both shows, the second act showcases the wide variety of dance styles students learn at the Studio. “All That Jazz” is a revue featuring jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary and Irish dance, as well as individual ballet performances from graduating seniors, who develop and perform their own choreography for the show. Each performance in All That Jazz reflects the work each student over a year of dance study.
Prescott shared a key goal for the show: “I always try to choreograph in such a way that the students aren’t just dancing to the music, but it really becomes a part of them. I want to give them steps that will complement their strengths, and also those that will challenge them, to further their growth. It’s been really fun working with the students and the staff!”
Also included in the Spring Shows performances is “Grandma’s Attic,” featuring the studio’s youngest dancers from three years old through Kindergarten age. This format lets each class take a turn on the stage to introduce younger dancers to performing.
Fischer noted that dance has been an essential part of her life, and will continue to be even after she graduates. “Next year I will be a freshman at Simmons College. There is a dance company at the school and I look forward to meeting other dancers and continue to perform and hone my skills. I think dance will be a part of my life forever.”
Wilton Dance Studio invites the community to enjoy a family-friendly production. The performance length is manageable for young children and it includes an intermission. Wilton Dance Studio’s artistic director Brenda Froehlich enhances the costumes and creates overall production concepts. Scenery is provided by Mark Froehlich of J.Galt Design, a nationally recognized theatrical backdrop company. Choreography is by Mrs. Froehlich and Wilton Dance Studio Instructors and Choreographers Peter Nevin, Kristen Prescott, Aisha Saeed, Hannah Stewart and Jennifer Danise. Community and parent volunteers contribute to the final performance as well.
To buy tickets, call 203.544.9007 or download an order form at the studio’s website. Tickets are also available at the door on the day of the show.