Students dazzle in annual Houlton School of Dance recital

5 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — Amazing dancing abilities were on display at the Houlton Community Arts Center Thursday evening as the Houlton School of Dance put on its 30th annual recital.

Performances also took place Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, with sold out shows expected for all three shows.

Houlton School of Dance Director Sandy Hartley told the audience Thursday evening that she makes every effort to have her studio more family driven than just a traditional site for instruction. That is only possible, she said, thanks to the tremendous support she has received from the Houlton community.

Natalie Delucca dances as part of the “Underworld” performance during Thursday’s Houlton School of Dance recital at the Houlton Community Arts Center.
(Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)

She said she did not expect after 30 years to still be traveling north from Millinocket to teach dance.

“Today, I could not imagine not coming here,” Hartley said. “The people have been so welcoming and I have made so many friends, they really are like family.”

Joining Hartley in providing instruction were Sue Waite-York, Kaycee McClure, Katelynn Eastham, Kayla McInnis, Hannah Lee, Kelsey Sewall and Bethany Tabb, with Elissa Madore assisting.

This year’s performance was once again broken up into three acts and featured dancers from kindergarten to high school. The youngest dancers took to the stage first for a number of toe-tapping routines with some props, including miniature horses and umbrellas.

The second act featured an elaborate portrayal of “The Ice Princess,” which many in the audience know more commonly as the Disney movie “Frozen.”

The third act opened with a salute to the graduating Class of 2019 performing for the final time and closed with a performance by past members of the school returning to the stage.