Dance recital delights audience

Close to 300 friends, family and Sisters folk filled the Sisters High School auditorium Saturday evening to watch the Sisters Dance Academy winter recital titled 'Tis the Season'... to Dance.

Excited dancers ages four to 18 performed ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary dance.

"We feel so lucky for all the support we've gotten from the Sisters community this past year since the opening of our new dance academy building," said Lonnie Liddell, owner and dance instructor at Sisters Dance Academy.

The diversified group of dancers have prepared for the recital since last September.

The crowd cheered as 12 7- and 8-year-old dancers performed to the old hip hop tune "Ice Ice Baby," themed for the icy weather.

Then four young tap-dancers did an outstanding performance for the theme "I Saw Three Ships." The song's origin is from the 17th century.

There was a special solo performance by Shannon Abero, professional dancer and hip hop instructor for Sisters Dance Academy.

A jazz performance featuring the theme "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas" gave the audience a down home Sisters Country feel, as 9- and 10-year-old dancers, dressed in their country attire, strutted their stuff on stage as though it was downtown Sisters.

The finale, themed "Auld Lang Syne," was in beautiful ballet style performed by Tiffany Cormalis and Jordi Gauthier.

Lonnie Liddell ended the program by a touching statement to the audience: "Ring in the New Year with those you cherish the most... Tis the Season."

Liddell had a lot of help and support backstage before and during the performances.

"There were so many key people involved," said Liddell.

"I really have to thank my stage managers Chris Zandonatti and Angelique Haney."

Winter/spring dance session begins in early January. For information visit www.sistersdanceacademy.com.