By Mark Reynolds
This weekend Dancers from Gina Marie’z Academy of Performing Arts will present their ‘Holiday Ballet’ presentation, described as a family friendly show that includes singing, dancing and tumbling along with a special visit from Santa. Two performances are scheduled; Friday, November 17 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 19 at 2 p.m. at the Highland High School auditorium, 320 Pancake Hollow Road in Highland. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
Gina said this is their first annual presentation of a Holiday Ballet, crediting Aubrey Contini who choreographed and produced the original dances for the entire show.
“I can’t believe I did it; 17 dances in ten weeks with 26 cast members, 24 girls and two boys,” she said. “The first half of the show uses music from the Nutcracker but with original choreography and the second half is all original dances, with the Grinch, Rudolph and Santa, all with classic Christmas songs.”
Gina, who has owned the Academy for 14 years, created the costumes, props and staging of the show, adding that, “I really enjoy that part.” She worked to ensure that, “everything came together at the last minute and Aubrey did a fantastic job making sure that the kids know their roles and exactly what they need to do as a dancer.”
Gina said her Academy runs from September through June and they hold summer dance camps in July and August. She has students who are as young as 15 months in a rock n tots class with a parent and child and adults who are enrolled in ballet and tap dancing classes, proving Gina’s point that, “anyone, any age and anywhere can dance.”
Gina gave special thanks for the support of the Highland High School Administration, Minard Farms for donating apple cider and Balletomania for the use of a very large Nutcracker prop for the performances and for providing her students with point shoes and various other accessories.
Gina stressed the variety of dances that are included in this show: Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Tumbling.
“My whole thing has always been a well rounded dancer who does more than just one style. So I wanted it to be a show that reaches out to every individual while keeping it very entertaining,” she said.
Gina urged people to come to the show so they can know what is going on in the local arts community.
“They have put a lot of time, blood sweat and tears into these types of shows. I think it’s really great when you come out and support, not only small businesses, but the children of our community as well,” she said.