Summer Ignites with Vibrant On-Stage Dance Showcase

The Sedona Dance Academy showcased its annual spring performance on Sunday, May 18, at the Barbara Antonsen Memorial Pavilion in Posse Grounds Park. Dancers captivated the audience with a variety of thematic routines that highlighted their creativity and skill.

Younger performers dazzled, with junior ballet students interpreting “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” while spinning colorful ribbons. Meanwhile, tap dancers enjoyed a whimsical water melon patch scene set to “Singin’ in the Rain.” The junior modern class presented a playful routine called “New Soul,” where children dressed up in their parents’ clothes, evoking a summer day at the beach.

The hip-hop class infused energy with a Caribbean party vibe. Students enthusiastically jumped over founder Jessica Phillips during their performance of “Cielito Lindo.” In contrast, “The Fairies and the Gnome” featured whimsical butterflies orbiting a confused mushroom.

Older students brought sass with their rendition of Fifth Harmony’s “Worth It.” The competitive team concluded the showcase with a lively and polished performance, complete with impressive lifts.

Noteworthy performances included Adivah Cohen’s sultry solo “Down,” where she engaged with the audience effectively. The jazz ensemble brought the Roaring 20s back to life with their high-energy kicks. A senior modern piece choreographed by Danielle McNeal-Strabala seamlessly incorporated diverse dance elements and showcased the dancers’ cohesion.

Advanced ballet dancers performed a stirring number set to Arcangelo Corelli’s Suite for String Orchestra, alongside selections from Marius Petipa’s “Paquita.” Notably, Sofia Wolf delivered a dignified solo from “Paquita.” At the end of the show, Phillips announced Wolf’s upcoming scholarship to The Ballet Clinic in Phoenix, marking a significant step toward her professional dance career.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the self-choreographed duet by Siena Moreau and Isabelle Payne. Their intense and dramatic performance, set against the stunning Sedona skyline, left a lasting impression and evoked the feeling of a music video brought to life.