NORWICH – This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Perkins School of the Arts, and the annual performance is set for this weekend.

The show’s title this year is ‘Believe,’ and according to co-owner Mikey Perkins, the theme derives from the Journey song ‘Don’t Stop Believing,’ which he said is the song they play to “hype” the dancers up before shows and competitions.

Amber Perkins purchased the studio in 1997, and Mikey said that his first year with the studio was 1998. He became a partner in 2014.

Mikey said that the studio and dancers have come a long way since the studio’s inception.

“We have had dancers win awards, be on Broadway, on TV, go to some of the top colleges,” said Mikey. “Parents drive their children from Syracuse, Ithaca … you name it … to come dance with us.”

According to Mikey, the school has earned 11 awards, and the studio is nationally and internationally renowned.

Mikey said dancers recently competed in the regional CanDance competition and won, and some dancers will be going to the national competition.

Perkins School of the Arts also won the ‘People’s Choice’ category, where the winner receives funds. This is an award the studio has received in the past and Mikey said when they have won, they have donated the funds to help the community.

The performance this year will take place at the Norwich High School Auditorium, and the junior performance is set for Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

The senior performance will take place Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door or for pre-sale at the Perkins School of the Arts on Birdsall Street in Norwich.

Mikey said that dancers range in age from 2-18, and dances at the recitals this weekend will range from pre-dance to advanced.

“We have plenty of alumni who will be coming back and making an appearance at this show,” said Mikey. “It will make it really special, especially since it’s our 20th year and we’re just so thankful to have been a part of this community and so many kids’ lives throughout the years.”

For further information visit Perkins School of the Arts on Facebook or perkinsdance.com.