MSdance Newsletter, Winter/Spring 2011

2st Edition 2011                                                              Vol 1

* 30 E. Main * Ft. Pierre * Artistic Director, Sunny Holloway *

Welcome to (Almost) Neverland:

My dancers and I have been working to learn the choreography for "I'll Fly Away," a dance version of Neverland. It is just amazing at how many interpretations in dance and theater have been done of James Barrie's wonderful story. Here is what Wikipedia has to say about Peter Pan:

Peter Pan is a character created by Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie (1860–1937). A mischievous boy who can fly and magically refuses to grow up, Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang the Lost Boys, interacting with mermaids, Indians, fairies, pirates, and (from time to time) meeting ordinary children from the world outside. In addition to two distinct works by Barrie, the character has been featured in a variety of media and merchandise, both adapting and expanding on Barrie's works.

I don't know if any of you have wondered how we put these stories in dance together but it is a creative process. Of course, I always have some idea of the main characters and some of the dances I want in a show. I have no idea of what steps I will be using, however, until we actually start learning dances. I teach the steps a small amount at a time and have to make notes to remember them unless I am teaching them from video. The steps and dances come easier after the costumes are ordered. Costumes actually help to determine the choreography. With acting and pantomime involved, I always have to try to figure out sets and props to help get that across.

Due to requests for having the performance earlier, we have moved it up to Saturday, May 28th, at 3 and 7 p.m. The only other weekend available in May was graduation weekend. I apologize to parents for this change and any conflicts that arise.

Tentative Cast
Peter Pan -- Devan Bruns
Captain Hook/Chief Flying Eagle -- Josh Easter
Tinkerbelle -- Lindsey Bishop
Tiger Lily -- Emily Plumage
Wendy -- Abbey Nold
Mr. & Mrs. Darling -- Josh & Sarah Easter
Michael -- TBA
John -- TBA
Smee -- TBA
Nana -- TBA
The Crocodile -- Annie Varns
Fairies -- Ballet V
Lost Girls -- Ballet IV
Indians -- Jazz Class
Mermaids -- Pre Ballet
Pirates -- Ballet III
Pixies -- Ballet I

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Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; He is risen!
- Luke 24: 5 & 6

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MSdance Newsletter

1st Edition 2011                                                              Vol 1

* 30 E. Main * Ft. Pierre * Artistic Director, Sunny Holloway *

Happy New Year!

2010 has finally ended and what a year it was -- so much dancing and two shows only 8 months apart. WE DID IT! But only by the grace of God and I am so grateful for all he has done with the studio, in my life and in the lives of my family. At times when I looked ahead it didn't seem possible but when I looked at Jesus, it did.

I am also thankful to my dance students and their parents. You can't imagine how much you have blessed me with your dance progress and support. We couldn't do it without God but we couldn't do it without you either.

Thanks for all the gifts: Belgian chocolates, a dozen red & white roses, cds, books, jewelry, angels, cookies, lotions, gift card, stickers and hugs.

What's next? Well, we need to get back in shape and begin to work on our technique again. I'm sure no one is more aware of this than the advanced students as they observe their dancing on dvd. A serious dancer always looks for ways to improve.

Some of our dancers are considering attending Ballet Magnificat's summer dance workshop in June/July. It's not too early to get ready by saving money, applying or making travel plans. For those interested in the worship dance track (no training required) from July 9-17, the cost is about $1000 plus cost of travel to Jackson. For information go to http://www.balletmagnificat.com/

We will soon be ordering costumes for Peter Pan. There will be some extra costume fees. I will try to locate the least expensive costumes available that still keep the creative integrity of the show.

We will begin working on choreography in February using music selections from several sources including television, Broadway and movie versions.

Tentative Cast

Peter Pan -- Devan Bruns
Captain Hook -- Josh Easter
Tinkerbelle -- Lindsey Bishop
Tiger Lily -- Emily Plumage
Wendy -- Abbey Nold
Mr. & Mrs. Darling -- Josh & Sarah Easter
Michael -- TBA
John -- TBA
Smee -- TBA
Nana -- TBA
The Crocodile -- Annie Varns
Fairies -- Ballet V
Lost Girls -- Ballet IV
Indians -- Jazz Class
Mermaids -- Pre Ballet
Pirates -- Ballet III
Fairies -- Ballet I

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I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the End... who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.      - Rev 1:8

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MSdance Newsletter

Fall, 3d Edition 2010                                                                        Vol 1

* 30 E. Main * Ft. Pierre * Artistic Director, Sunny Holloway *

Fall Happenings/Summer Follow Up:

Summer finished with a bang as MainStreet dancers participated in "The Awakening Music Fest" at Steamboat Park on a very hot Friday evening, August 20. Dances done for this worshipful event were In Christ Alone, Way Down Deep, and Day of Freedom. Dancers were Josh Easter, Sarah Easter, Mekell Rockwell, Abbey Nold, Lindsey Bishop, Becky Plumage, Emily Plumage, Jenna Johnson and Ms. Sunny. Emily Plumage blessed us by teaching Way Down Deep to a group of 8 dancers. Way to go, Emily!

Fall classes got off to a late start due to a later than usual Labor Day. It has taken the entire month of September to get enrolled in their classes.

Measurements are almost completed for costumes to be ordered for "The Greatest Gift of All." A preliminary cast list is posted at the studio and this newsletter. Ms. Sunny and students will be attending SD Dance Network in Sioux Falls the weekend of October 15th.

Preliminary Cast of The Greatest Gift of All

Holy Spirit - Emily Plumage
Archangel Michael & Jesus - Josh Easter
Grandfather Wigglesworth/Narrator - Chuck Easter
Clarissa - Lindsey Bishop
Fritz - Dustyn Klave
Mama &a Papa Schultz - Josh & Sarah Easter
Blind Beggar - Devan Bruns
Housekeeper - Caroline Trethaway
Party Couples - Brad & Erika Bruns, Devan Bruns & Becky Plumage, Darrell & Noreen Plumage, Stephen & Lynde Rockwell, Pastor Dan & Ms. Tammy Varns, Merlyn & DeAnn Hilmoe
Expectant Mary - Sarah Easter/Ms. Sunny
Mary & Joseph - Erika & Brad Bruns
Shepherds - Devan Bruns & Dustyn Klave
Satan - Devan Bruns
Demons - Jazz Class
Lullaby - Pre Ballet
Party Girls - Ballet I
Angels - Ballet V
Parade of Nations - Ballet V
Spanish - Ariel Monfore & Becky Plumage
Chinese - Abbey Nold
Russian - Ballet III
German - Ballet IV
American - Josh Easter, Devan Bruns, Dustyn Klave & Ballet III
Waltz of the Redeemed - Ballet V

... But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever; - Ps 73:26