by Shelley Bennett
Joan’s Studio of Dance presented “Cinderella” last weekend as their end of the year recital. I admit, I was a little worried because I remembered their first version of “Cinderella”, about 15 years ago when Sofia and her friends were sweet little fairies.
That was my first introduction to Jillaine (Singleton) Laughlin, the delightful young woman who was just emerging as a teacher. She played the role of one of Cinderella’s stepsisters to a tee. Along with Sara (Salem) Metz, the duo had us rolling with laughter.
Samantha (Huskey) Peterson was the perfect Cinderella; graceful, poised, humble, and kind. I will always remember watching from the wings as she entered the stage on pointe. It was magical.
This was also the first time I worked with Andrea Singleton and Hilary Trevizu, two sisters who have become some of my best friends. Through the years, we have laughed, cried, and solved crisis after crisis backstage.
I shouldn’t have worried though, Jillaine and her sister Gabrielle created a story that was just as beautiful and perfect, but with their own flair. With the specialties of teachers Seanne McElrath, Molly Bettencourt, and Miah Mallery, their version showcased hip hop, jazz, and lyrical styles as well as the traditional ballet and tap.
Seniors Madison Boyer and Bailey Robbins shared the role of Cinderella, with each playing a stepsister at the alternate show. Madi and Bailey were impressive in both roles and I’m not sure how they could keep the two very different characters straight. One part called for them to be elegant and self-assured, while the other revealed a spoiled and petulant side.
Erielle Paddock, another soon-to-be-grad, played the other stepsister. She really got into her role, stomping around stage and looking down on the other characters.
Equally impressive was Briella Robbins as the wicked stepmother. She kept Cinderella busy with packages to carry, an overflowing laundry basket, and never-ending sweeping to do.
As Prince Charming, Luke Trevizu was a standout on the stage. He was an irresistible combination of charisma and self-confidence, while at the same time awkward and tentative when faced with love at first sight.
Some of my favorite dances were big, group scenes like “The Prince is Having a Ball” where a mix of activity, colorful costumes, and dancers of all sizes filled the stage in a choreographed frenzy. There was so much movement and action going on it would have been easy for it to get messy, but it wasn’t.
These moments created a community and helped move the story along. Another was during the Prince’s Ball, when dancing groups showed off their talent for the court. From a soft waltz to a sharper tango, the dancing flowed from one class to another as Queen Gabriella Singleton watched with interest.
The show ended in with the search for Cinderella, which was also filled with laughs. Luke and his men combed the village looking for the fair lady whose foot would fit into the lost glass slipper. After struggling with the step-family, a relieved prince found his princess in Cinderella.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible special effects of dancer alumni Hayley Trevizu and Shalise Robbins. They two of them managed to change Cinderella from her ruined homemade dress into a sparkly Fairy Godmother-made ball gown in a matter of minutes. All it took was a little magic from Juliette Singleton and a group of whirling, twirling golden dancers in “Have Courage and Be Kind.”
Thank you Joan and dancers for another memorable year! I can’t wait to see what next year holds. A special thank you to Randy Cochran who gave monetary awards to Alyson Crosby and Briella Robbins in memory of his lovely wife Leslie.
If you haven’t had enough dancing, you have another chance on Saturday May 31st at the annual father daughter dance presented by Shaffer School. “Dancing in Wonderland” will be held at Jensen Hall in the Lassen County Fairgrounds 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Tickets are $25 ($10/extra child) and are available at Margie’s Book Nook or online at shafferpto.square.site. For more information, call the school at 530-254-6577 or look on their Facebook page. According to Principal Josh Blackburn, “this is a dad’s chance to show his girl what it means to be cherished, respected, and treated like the treasure she is.”
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
