Dance academy presents spring concert May 21-22

Staff Reports

The Academy of Dance Arts 16th annual spring concert is presented 6 p.m. May 21 and 22 in the theater at the MontBleu Resort & Casino in Stateline.

"For years, I had created the ballets for the dancers in the studio," said Kelly O'Fallon, owner and director of The Academy of Dance Arts.

"A couple of years ago, we decided to tackle 'Hansel and Gretel.' It was such an instant success; the fairy tale ballet trend had begun," she said. "But after presenting 'Cinderella,' I felt it might be fun and challenging to go a totally different direction. The ballet this year is entitled 'Classical with a Twist.' It has no story line, no good versus evil, just pop songs that are played classically.

"The younger students are doing 'A Quick Look at the Four Seasons,' which is the closest to any kind of characters that will appear in the show," O'Fallon said. "Because the music isn't traditional classical music, the dances may be a little edgier, a little jazzier. It has been a great change of pace for all the students and they have told me how much they have enjoyed it."

After a brief intermission, the show will continue with the jazz and tap portion of the show.

"We have chosen music from all different genres, from popular to obscure and everything in between. There is a little something for everyone. We have such an abundance of talent in the studio and for two nights in May, all that talent is displayed beautifully by each and every student, teacher, and choreographer affiliated with The Academy of Dance Arts," said O'Fallon. "We hope you will come join us for a lovely and entertaining evening of dance."

Established in 1993, The Academy of Dance Arts has studios in Gardnerville and South Lake Tahoe with approximately 170 dancers. For tickets, contact the MontBleu Theater ticket office at (775) 588-3515.