Spring dance recital draws large crowd

By ELAINE SANDMAN

Staff writer

Becker Auditorium was filled with anticipation last Friday evening as the end of one era marked the beginning of another.

Especially for three of this year's high school graduates, Andrakay Hoisington, Devon Huggins and Emily Sukenik, who were about to embark on yet another final journey for this part of their life by performing in their last Spring Recital for The Dance Studio. In the same respect, this Spring Recital was also the beginning for many of the other dancers from The Dance Studio, owned by Barb Russell.

Master of Ceremonies Ron Sukenik, started the evening with, "As one era comes to an end, another begins. Almost 20 years ago, my wife LeAnn Sukenik had the vision and foresight to enroll our oldest daughter Ashley, and soon after that our youngest daughter Emily in Barb Russell's The Dance Studio."

Sukenik told the audience about some of the graduates achievements over the past years: Andrakay Hoisington performed as stage crew for this particular performance. She was last year's Jr. Miss winner, graduating from Bonners Ferry High School (BFHS) with high honors; Devon Huggins a dancer in this recital, also earned high honors from BFHS and was a runner up in Jr. Miss; Emily Sukenik, another dancer, was a runner up in Jr. Miss and a member of the National Honor Society.

"This is not a coincidence, and when I mentioned this to Emily, 'she said, Duh Dad, dance helps us build good character, it keeps us fit and gives us good balance and poise and builds confidence!'"

"This year to showcase everyone's talents, I chose a theme that allowed a variety of music and styles," Russell said.

The theme was Music in Motion and included songs like, Inflate My Ego, Beethoven's 5th Symphony, It was Like A Dream, Tales from the Vienna Woods, Strauss and even a famous skit Who's on First? By guest performers Shayne Hansen and Tanner Watkin and many more.

"We have attended about 400 of these dance productions. Laughing with many of you at the humorous antics that take place. Sitting in awe with all of you as our children amaze us," Sukenik said.

The performance began with mood lighting that effectively created a fairy scene and the fairy princesses, the youngest of all the performers, were escorted in by graceful mentoring dancers who assisted the princesses through their dance number.

Next, to the audience's further enjoyment came the tiny tots who touched everyones hearts with the joy radiating from them as they studiously strutted their stuff. Then the level of anticipation increased as the program announced the next level of performers.

Tales from the Vienna Woods began to fill the auditorium. The dance was choreographed by Kirsten Currie, and the talented dancers had the audience holding their breath in amazement. The applause was thunderous.

The dances seemed to forever increase in their complexity, but the dancers never missed a chance to reach out to each other and their teacher as even the audience could feel the knowledge and emotion that this was their last performance together.

Then in the number Let's Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez, the glances, joy and heartbreak was visible between the dancers and their teacher, as they poured their hearts out knowing that this was truly the last time they'd be together in this way with their teacher.

"These three girls, Devon, Emily and Andrakay have been with me and each other through the thick and thin of dancing, learning, growing, laughing and crying from when they were just two to three years old. This is their last finale, but I know dance will always be a part of their lives," Russell said in a choked voice.

"It takes a village to raise a child, well, who are these villagers?" Sukenik asked the audience. "Many of you brought them with you tonight, your families, your friends, and of course, one of our favorite villagers, Barb Russell. Barb has been teaching dance to our children for 30 years come next year. Barb, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for truly caring and for continuing to dance like no one is watching."