Kieran Coffey Photo

NORWICH - The Donna Frech School of Dance will conclude its 41st season with a presentation of this year's recital, “Art In Motion” this weekend. Senior performances are on Friday and Saturday, June 17 and 18, beginning at 7 p.m., while junior performances will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19, at 1 p.m. at the Norwich High School.

This weekend's DFSD performances will have something for everyone. The performances are filled with traditional and innovative forms of the performing art of dance, including tap, ballet, jazz, acrobatics, lyrical, modern and contemporary, musical theater, and hip hop. With a wide selection of music and dance art forms, local talented performers will surely keep you entertained throughout the show. Homegrown dancers range from the tiniest beginners to the accomplished young adults.

This year’s performances are the culmination of a dance year filled with hard work, discipline, fun, and dreams. The dancers are nurtured throughout the year by caring, experienced dance faculty who encourage them to imagine the possibilities. Whether an intensive dancer studying at the studio many days a week, or a child enrolled in the recreational program for younger dancers, dance sparks the heart of the soul, and that will be evident as audiences are treated to performances this weekend that are sure to please.

The choreography, music, costumes and complete concept of the performance will make you think that you’re watching a professional touring company. The persona of the dancers electrifies the stage and will draw you into every moment. Performances are intertwined with music from all genres and ages. The audience will not only hear the music, but also feel it through the visuals created by dance. All who attend the performances will know the joy and hard work each and every dancer, teacher and staff member has put into the year-end performance.

The matinee at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday features younger performers, along with a few of the dance numbers from the evening performance. Students in the matinee recital range from young, first time dancers, up through to the DFSD company dancers, who open the show with their performance of their production number, “Broadway.”

The matinee performance showcases the talents of the younger students. Although some may be just starting out in their dance training, it is very apparent that these tiny performers thoroughly enjoy what they are doing. The faces that light up the stage in such memorable songs as “Polly Wolly Doodle,” “Mr. Golden Sun” and “By The Beautiful Sea” truly compliment the dancing of the younger generation of performers.

“The younger students are amazing to watch on stage. The real tiny ones are just so cute,” said Donna Frech, owner and director. “It is so gratifying to know that we have been able to offer them a little glance into the world of performing arts. I love the little ones; they are such a joy to teach. It is so rewarding to see young students progress through the years and become beautiful dancers.”

The year-end dance recital is a big event at the dance school, according to Frech.

“The year-end recital is a wonderful experience. This is especially true for the younger students who have learned that they can have fun while learning to dance,” said Frech. “Whether it’s the intensive study student who attends classes four to five times a week, or the recreational student attending class once or twice a week, they all come together with a strong commitment to present our awesome year-end performance and have fun.”

The cast of the senior performances (evening shows) is made up of a variety of dancers. Some students have been dancing for as many as 15 years, while some are younger, and this is their first time performing in the senior recital. There are several classes of adults who have enjoyed taking to the stage each year, and wouldn’t miss the excitement of it all.

There’s no real pressure for the young students in dance class, just an enjoyable, fun experience. Eventually, if they wish to further their dance education, they have the option of being enrolled in a more intense dance program at the dance school. Throughout the last 41 years, many dance students have passed through the doors at the DFSD. Frech can proudly boast that many of her dance students have become dance teachers and studio owners themselves. Many of the students in this weekend’s performances are the children of students who have previously studied with the DFSD.

In addition to their annual performances, the DFSD also performs locally throughout the year at events such as The Norwich Pumpkin Festival, New Berlin Youth Days, Sidney Arts and Music Festival and the New Berlin Bicentennial.

Many audience members who attend the DFSD performances do not have family members in the performance. They attend because they say the performance is so enjoyable to watch. It's very entertaining, and there’s something different throughout. If you haven’t seen a Donna Frech School Of Dance annual performance recently, you won't want to miss this weekend's performances, said Frech.

DFSD instructors Donna Frech, Kathleen Cragle, Kristen Miller, Kayla Stage, Breanne Krucher, and Trista Dockstader invite you to an enjoyable weekend of dance and entertainment. All have worked collectively to present such a diverse collage of dance performances. They wish to extend a special thank you to parents, family and friends behind the scenes who have made it possible to present such wonderful performances.

Tickets are available at the Donna Frech School Of Dance, located at 7-9 Berry St. Norwich; Service Pharmacy in Norwich, New Berlin and Sherburne; or at Video Entertainment Plus in Sidney. They will also be available for purchase at the door prior to each performance.

Contact 607-334-4382 for more information.