FootLites dancers jazz up the Capitol Theatre
http://www.selahnews.com/articles/393/1/FootLites-dancers-jazz-up-the-Capitol-Theatre/Page1.html
Shawnee Olson
By Shawnee Olson
Published on 06/23/2008
The Capitol Theatre was abuzz with energy and anticipation Friday night
as performers and audience members awaited the start of the FootLites
“A Salute to Broadway” presentation. Seats filled up quickly and by
the time the show started standing room was all that was left.
Pictured: From left to right: Brinkley Treat, Lindsey Brown, Shelbi Schmidt, Lillie Rice, Abiney Kempf, and Krista Freeze perform “Tiny Toes.” Shawnee Olson photo
Pictured: From left to right: Brinkley Treat, Lindsey Brown, Shelbi Schmidt, Lillie Rice, Abiney Kempf, and Krista Freeze perform “Tiny Toes.” Shawnee Olson photo
The Capitol Theatre was abuzz with energy and anticipation Friday night as performers and audience members awaited the start of the FootLites “A Salute to Broadway” presentation. Seats filled up quickly and by the time the show started standing room was all that was left.
Beneath the seating area was a flurry of unseen activities to audience members. The Robertson Room was definitely the busiest room in the house with dancers changing frantically, mothers of the younger dancers helping them get their hair, makeup and costumes on. It was also the designated eating area. Outside the Robertson Room were other parents and loved ones getting photos of themselves and their dancers or giving them flowers and wishes of good luck.
The lights dimmed at exactly 6 p.m. and a hush fell over the crowd as the curtains rose and the grand opening began. The beginning act was a portrayal of a studio with dancers practicing and the director giving instruction. The dancers in turn showed the audience the angst of a performer unsure of their talents and making the cut. They ran off the stage and lined the aisles clapping their hands while all the other FootLites dancers filed out on to the stage wearing their black FootLites t-shirts, jean shorts and white tennis shoes.
The introduction was followed by 64 acts by dancers who ranged in ages from preschoolers to high school seniors. The performers danced ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, cheer and a solo lyrical. The program mixed the dances and the ages so no two acts were alike. A preschool group dressed as a duck in a yellow tu-tu complete with a bill and was followed by junior high and high school-aged girls performing a cheer routine.
During the 20-minute intermission the whole theater buzzed with chatter and dancers coming from downstairs to greet loved ones. The dim lighting was disrupted every second or so as flashes from cameras lit up the seating area.
The finale again featured all the dancers coming onto the stage, this time attired in the last costume they wore while performing. Each set featured a different bow or pose they struck while receiving their applause.
After the finale Footlites Dance Studio owner/instructor Mary Jill Rodgers took a few minutes to recognize the people that helped get the show together, the senior dancers, and presented an award to the Most Improved Dancer. FootLites is closed from June 16 to 20 for vacation, then summer classes will begin.
Beneath the seating area was a flurry of unseen activities to audience members. The Robertson Room was definitely the busiest room in the house with dancers changing frantically, mothers of the younger dancers helping them get their hair, makeup and costumes on. It was also the designated eating area. Outside the Robertson Room were other parents and loved ones getting photos of themselves and their dancers or giving them flowers and wishes of good luck.
The lights dimmed at exactly 6 p.m. and a hush fell over the crowd as the curtains rose and the grand opening began. The beginning act was a portrayal of a studio with dancers practicing and the director giving instruction. The dancers in turn showed the audience the angst of a performer unsure of their talents and making the cut. They ran off the stage and lined the aisles clapping their hands while all the other FootLites dancers filed out on to the stage wearing their black FootLites t-shirts, jean shorts and white tennis shoes.
The introduction was followed by 64 acts by dancers who ranged in ages from preschoolers to high school seniors. The performers danced ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, cheer and a solo lyrical. The program mixed the dances and the ages so no two acts were alike. A preschool group dressed as a duck in a yellow tu-tu complete with a bill and was followed by junior high and high school-aged girls performing a cheer routine.
During the 20-minute intermission the whole theater buzzed with chatter and dancers coming from downstairs to greet loved ones. The dim lighting was disrupted every second or so as flashes from cameras lit up the seating area.
The finale again featured all the dancers coming onto the stage, this time attired in the last costume they wore while performing. Each set featured a different bow or pose they struck while receiving their applause.
After the finale Footlites Dance Studio owner/instructor Mary Jill Rodgers took a few minutes to recognize the people that helped get the show together, the senior dancers, and presented an award to the Most Improved Dancer. FootLites is closed from June 16 to 20 for vacation, then summer classes will begin.