The Norwood Recreation Department School of Dance presented its 23rd annual dance recital recently at the Coakley Middle School auditorium. This year’s show, “Dancing Under the Stars,” was dedicated to Helen Miller, mother of Gerald Miller, superintendent of recreation and master of ceremonies.
A sold-out crowd filled the auditorium as our favorite DJ, Mr. Ed Mullen, directed the audio production for over 300 students. Nicole Breen, Erin Kelley and Katie Brown, dancers and Norwood High music students, honored everyone with a talented rendition of our National Anthem. Miller then introduced 7-year old Heather Reilly, who let the fans know that it was show time.
The beginner tap group opened the performance with their 2008 song and dance to Neil Sedaka’s “Calendar Girl.” The entertainment continued with Hip Hop’s “Ain’t It Funny” to beautiful ballerinas presenting “Simple Gifts,” Stravinsky’s “Fire Bird,” “Degas Ballerinas” by Faust, an excerpt from “Don Quixote,” and lovely bridesmaids in Vivaldi’s “Spring, from the Four Seasons.”
Mrs. Mary Thompson, of the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre of Cambridge, once again shared her professional talents with Romeo and Juliet’s “Masquerade Ball,” Coppelia’s “Waltz of the Hours,” and other ballet groups.
Returning International Irish Step champion, Ms. Jennimae Cronan, thrilled the audience with “Tir Na Nog,” “Irish Moor,” and “Irish Heartbeat of Norwood,” which featured the new hard shoe dancers.
Some fun oldies were “Them Bones,” “At The Car Wash,” Build Me up Buttercup,” “Anchors Aweigh,” “Pink Cadillac,” “Walk Like An Egyptian,” “Fame,” “One,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile,” “Do You Believe in Magic,” “Miss Baltimore Crabs,” “See You Again,” and “Vogue.”
The last dance featured student dance instructors along with advanced jazz tap dancers and national award-winning choreographer, Jonathan Richmond, in their rendition of “Life Is A Highway,” which reveled in high accolades from all the fans. The end-of-the-year performance always invites family and friends to enjoy the culmination of the children’s work and is full of love and laughter.
During the finale, five-year certificates were presented to 24 dance students: Alyssa Abruzzese, Marlene Antas, Mikayla Daniels, Elizabeth DeVasto, Kelsie Doherty, Renee Duchaney, Sarah Eppolito, Marykate Galvin, Megan Giambanco, Katherine Gillis, Danielle Jeffery, Millicent Jiang, Samantha Kelley, Katie Kohlsaat, Gina Magliozzi, Cassidy Mahoney, Kara Mahoney, Samantha McCracken, Brooke Odstrchel, Tessa Ryan, Kristina Sharra, Kristen Short, Jessica Thompson and Maria Thompson.
Ms. Paula presented very special framed 10-year plaques that were awarded to Stephanie Fogg, Amanda Hughey, Heather Jones, Megan McCarthy, and Jacqueline Sobchuk.
Special recognition was given to all the backstage parents and executive dance board for its continued support and caring. Beautiful pink roses were presented to “Ms. Paula” Pelaggi, coordinator and head instructor with “Ms. Nicole” Pelaggi, who are also teachers for Norwood Public Schools. Instructors Thompson, Cronan, and Richmond plus assistants Kathleen Brown, Annie Colamaria, Megan Curran, Stacy Lennox, Catherine Sobchuk, and Caitlyn Thompson were warmly thanked and received flowers for their year’s dedication.
As with all recreation department programs, the dance lessons are available to any Norwood residents from September through May. Students provide their own proper dancewear or can purchase or trade used shoes for a minimal fee. The instructors, parents and students volunteer to maintain minimal costume prices with many re-usable for dance and/or play.
The objective of our program is to learn the art of dance while having fun in a friendly, very affordable, safe, educational, non-competitive environment. The dance program is an advocate for performing dance arts for all children of the town. Registration for September classes will begin in August.
Visit us online at www.norwoodrecreation.com or contact 781-762-0466.
