Selma studios prepare for big finish

Published 10:17 pm Thursday, May 5, 2011

From spotlighting aspects of Selma, to highlighting the four seasons and embracing chic sophistication and style, come see local dance troupes pirouette and tap dance for their annual spring recitals this May.

Beginning Saturday, hundreds of toddlers and adults from McConnell Twins Dance Studio, Margie’s Dance Center (Studio 4) and The Dance Studio (Citizens Parkway), have been practicing relentlessly for months, hours and days, in preparation for recitals scheduled for May 7, May 14 and May 21.

Margie Burke, director of Studio 4, who will have two performances Saturday at 2 p.m. with 3-year-olds to third graders, and at 7 p.m. with older students, said her more than 150 students have worked extremely hard and she believes the audience will be pleased.

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“It’s really important for the children to focus on what they’ve learned all year,” Burke said. “I enjoy keeping things fresh and being creative. In my 31 years of teaching dance, I’ve never repeated a theme. It’s also really good for the parents to see how the dancers have progressed over the years (from toddler to teen). I’m proud of what they’ll do.”

Burke said this year’s theme, “Dance chic [sheek],” encompasses class, fashion and glamour.

“The setup alone took us four-and-a-half hours to do, but it was fun,” Burke said. “It’s really girly and feminine, and I wanted my girls to have their ‘princess moments.”

Lisa Baker, owner of McConnell Twins, said her girls have been practicing since January for their big day and will perform more than 40 dance numbers May 14.

“You’ll see different types of dance — ballet, tap, jazz and tumbling,” Baker said. “The acts will revolve around living in a small town like Selma and our many highlights and historical elements here, like the Old Depot Museum.”

In its 30th year, McConnell Twins Dance Studio began in 1958 by identical twins and was later sold to Baker in 2006. Baker’s laidback personality and style of discipline has rubbed off on her students.

Hannah Davis, sophomore at Dallas County High School, said she’s always pumped during this time of year.

“This is my 11th recital and I just love it,” Davis said. “I practice my dance routine every day, over and over. For me, practice makes perfect.”

Amy Chandler, a Morgan Academy sophomore, has been dancing for 12 years with McConnell. For Chandler, it never gets boring.

“There’s an adrenaline rush and a sense of excitement when you’re out there on stage,” Chandler said. “It’s amazing.”

Rachel Colley, owner of Dance Studio, has nearly 120 students performing on May 21.

“It’s different every year,” Colley said. “This year, our theme will reflect the changing seasons.”

Margie’s Dance Center will have two performances Saturday at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. The McConnell Twins Studio will have a performance May 14 at 6 p.m. and the Dance Studio will perform May 21 at 6 p.m. All performances are free to the public and will be performed at the J.A. Pickard Auditorium.