Sisters dancers take stage

Sisters Dance Academy’s 12th annual holiday performance, the Winter Wonderland Ball, is set for Saturday, December 10, at Sisters High School.

Owner of the Academy, Lonnie Liddell, said, “Sisters Dance Academy (SDA) opened in 2009. We have held two shows a year, every year. I think it is an amazing way for the community to come together to support our youth and is also such a positive, joyful event.”

Each dance recital has had a different theme.

“This year’s theme was inspired by wanting to do something that captured the spirit of the season and wintertime… but is also about attending a fancy event like a ball, party, or fancy dinner!” Liddell said.

This family-owned academy has grown so much that they have to host two different shows in one day, simply to accommodate all the friends and families who want to attend. There is a matinee performance at 1 p.m., and the evening show begins at 6 p.m.

“It also gives the dancers more than one opportunity to attend and have people in the community come and give their support to the local dancers,” Liddell said.

All the dancers and instructors have been preparing and working hard to make it the best experience possible for the audience.

Kayla Williams is a dance teacher of 17 years.

“I love getting to see the dances come to completion on stage,” she said. “It’s the moment when the music, lights, costumes, and dance finally come together.”

Previous student, now turned teacher, Olivia Bertagna, says, “Being able to showcase to the community what we’ve been working on is amazing.”

The Academy is a place of sweat, laughter, and music, and both dancers and teachers love it.

“It’s always so fun, sometimes stressful, but even when you only have one dance it’s really nice to just get involved,” said dancer Gracie Fendall.

Instructor Shannon Abero said, “It has been a joy to work with all of the staff, the teachers, but most of all the students at SDA the past 10 years!”

With 32 different dances being performed and nearly 250 dancers, the Winter Wonderland Ball is certain to be a magical time. Tickets are on sale on the Sisters Dance Academy website, www.danceinsisters.com