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Dance Studio Performers Display Recital Resilience
pink tutu
Ten aspiring ballerinas from Pointe of Dance performed to the song, “Tomorrow,” from the film Annie. The piece was choreographed by Jarah Brooks and presented in the outdoor amphitheater at River Oak Grace Church on Saturday, June 27. Photo By Brooke Chau

More than 80 dancers took the stage at River Oak Grace on Saturday, June 27 as Pointe of Dance Studio hosted its 18th annual summer recital. The theme this year was “At the Movies,” where students got to boogie down to some movie soundtracks like Aladdin, High School Musical, Annie, and Star Wars. Due to restrictions as a result of COVID-19, the anticipated recital looked a little different this year.

Rachel Turnage, owner of Pointe of Dance, wanted to ensure that her dancers were able to perform on stage with the proper and safe guidelines.

“Thankfully we are adaptable and we can adapt to any guidelines to ensure our dancers can dance on stage,” Turnage shared.

She has owned Pointe of Dance Studio for 19 years and opened up a Reno, Nevada location four years ago.

When it came to the health and safety of the students and their families, Turnage said, “We gave everybody a guideline going into recital, we are only allowing 50 percent capacity in from what we would normally allow. We encouraged parents to check their child’s temperature before they arrived, and we also have thermometers here for those who need their temperature checked.”

The summer recital was filled with dance students smiling from ear to ear on stage showcasing their pieces for friends and family. The audience was to remain six feet apart from each other and the dancers were given instruction to maintain social distancing on stage while still being able to do what they love.

The dancers have been preparing for the movie themed recital since January. Pointe of Dance Studio was closed for 45 days due to COVID-19 but still continued teaching students via Zoom to prepare for the recital.

“I look back to my first show in 2002 with 15 kids in the little Oakdale High theater, doing everything by myself in the back,” laughed Turnage. “I have a team of friends thankfully, that have helped make this show happen with new changes.”

Pointe of Dance Studio offers recreational and competitive dance classes for all ages and levels from two years old and up. The studio features a wide variety of classes from ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, technique, pom, musical theater and more.

Summer session starts July 15 and the normal fall season will start the first week of August. Pointe of Dance Studio is at 1858 Ackley Circle, 5B. For additional information, you can call the studio at (209) 845-9091.

dance team
The dance teachers at Pointe of Dance taught for 45 days via Zoom to ensure that their students were prepared for their recent summer recital. From left, Jarah Brooks, Christina DiFabio, Rachel Turnage, Jade Edwards, Jaden Chau, and Brandie Scott. Photo By Brooke Chau