The Geauga County Maple Festival’s entertainment stage area filled with spectators of all ages April 27 on Chardon Square as nonprofit Inspired Movement Dance Studio took the stage to dazzle and delight.
The Geauga County Maple Festival’s entertainment stage area filled with spectators of all ages April 27 on Chardon Square as nonprofit Inspired Movement Dance Studio took the stage to dazzle and delight.
“This is truly an honor,” said Leah Nash, IMDS studio board president. “Performing at the festival is such an exciting opportunity for our studio. It is always amazing to share our passion for dance with the community and to be part of an event that brings people together. Performing at the maple festival is one of our most exciting events of the year as we get the opportunity to showcase the art of dance. We have worked hard to prepare and we’re so proud of our dancers.”
This year marked the fourth time IMDS, at 111 Main St. in Chardon, performed at the festival.
“Without further ado, please give a round of applause to our ‘hip-hop 2’ students,” Nash said.
The upbeat sounds of Flo Rida’s “What a Night” echoed from the speakers as the young dancers moved to the energetic vibes and fun rhythms choreographed by hip-hop instructor Ryan Rosinski.
Parents lifted their phones to capture videos and photos of the afternoon’s first performance.
The show, kicking off right before the grand parade, featured seven pieces — led by Gabriela Peters, studio coordinator/choreographer, and instructors Alex Lausin, Bella Golen, Paulina Coury and Rosinski — and included performances with students in levels two through four.
“The 2 p.m. show is a glimpse of what we are all about,” said Nash.
The performance featured ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and clogging.
“We also offer modern, tap, creative movement and pre-ballet,” she said.
Judy Pistner watched as her 9-year-old daughter, Allison, performed with the first group.
“Allison is very excited to perform with her dance studio because she has so many friends at the studio and gets to see them for an extra day this week,” Pistner said. “She loves to dance at the studio three days each week.”
Her mom said she was a little nervous to perform in front of so many people, but hoped everyone enjoyed the dances they had practiced for weeks.
“She would like everyone to see how much fun it is to dance with Inspired Movement and make her teacher, Mr. Ryan (Rosinski) proud,” Pistner said.
Nash noted the day’s performance music was from their upcoming spring show, Kaleidoscope, at 7 p.m. on May 17 at Thomas W. Harvey High School in Painesville.
“This year’s show is centered around geometric shape and color as you may see when looking through a kaleidoscope,” Nash said, with the choreography specific to emulate the movement of shape.
Hannah Williams, 13, who dances in company ballet, company jazz and company contemporary with the studio, said she was honored to perform at the festival.
“It’s such a fun treat to share our performance pieces with more than just at our recitals,” Hannah said. “Thank you, Geauga Maple Festival for inviting us to perform.”
Lili Cifirno, 16, also performed the afternoon’s contemporary pieces “Your Day Will Come,” a modern ballet called “A Different Theory” and a high energy jazz performance called “Work For it.”
“I’m so excited to get to dance with my IMDS family at the maple festival,” Lili said. “It’s something we look forward to all season and it’s an exciting challenge to get to perform on an outdoor stage.”
Nash added her excitement for the studio’s additional achievement.
“We are incredibly proud to say that our family of dancers has reached a milestone this year,” Nash said. “We have 100 students. We are excited to continue growing and for the future that lies ahead. We love supporting the arts in Chardon, Ohio.”
Summer registration has just opened.
IMDS offers classes age 3 through adult and walk-in classes are featured on their website.
