The Wayne Center for the Arts’ Dance Department dazzled audiences on May 24-25 with their enchanting production of “Tinkerbell.” This delightful performance transported viewers to Neverland, introducing them to pirates, crocodiles, and the beloved fairy herself, Tinkerbell, along with her friends. Featuring dancers aged 3-17, the show highlighted a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop.

“We are so proud of this recital,” shared Brittany Eckstrom, WCA Dance Coordinator. “Bringing these characters to life through dance was incredibly fun and educational for our dancers. It was a great way to showcase their hard work and dedication.” The recital also highlighted dancers who performed for adjudication at the Mid-Atlantic Dance Initiative (MADI) in late May. Eight members of the WCA Jr. and Sr. Ballet Companies traveled to West Virginia for classes and workshops, with several dancers performing pieces for adjudication.

“In an exciting first for WCA, two of our dancers were selected to perform at the MADI Gala!” Brittany enthused. “They were the only ones in their age group chosen, which is quite an honor.” Additionally, two WCA Ballet Company members received scholarships for an intensive program in Virginia next summer.

With the spring events behind them, WCA Dance is gearing up for their summer and fall season, culminating in the beloved holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” to be performed in December 2024.

“‘The Nutcracker’ has been a cherished tradition since the early 1990s,” said WCA Executive Director Sara Brink. “Participating in this performance is a wonderful, memorable experience for our dancers and their families.”

If your child dreams of being part of “The Nutcracker,” summer and fall dance classes are the perfect starting point. All students enrolled in a fall dance class will have the opportunity to perform in “The Nutcracker” in December. Eager dancers can also get a head start with our summer offerings.

“We’re offering shorter sessions of ballet, tap, and hip-hop at various levels this summer,” explained Eckstrom. “Kids will be grouped by age, regardless of experience, to learn with their peers. These two-week sessions, available at different times to accommodate summer schedules, give kids a chance to explore dance and see if it’s something they want to pursue further.” The dance department is also offering themed camps around fun topics like Harry Potter, Taylor Swift, and creative movement for preschoolers.

Auditions for principal roles and the ballet corps for “The Nutcracker” will take place at Wayne Center for the Arts on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 6:45pm. Open to the community for ages 8-18, auditions will include a group class to learn a piece of choreography followed by performances in groups. For more information on auditioning for “The Nutcracker” or volunteering, please email Brittany at [email protected].

Enroll your child in a dance class this summer and watch them twirl, leap, and shine!