Donna Frech School of Dance dancers at this week's dress rehearsal preparing for the year-end recital this weekend. Evening shows begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17, and matinee performances begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18 at the Norwich High School. (Photos by Alicia Ross)

NORWICH — The Donna Frech School of Dance (DFSD), with studio locations in Norwich, New Berlin, and Sidney, will conclude its 48th season with a presentation of this year's recital, “Empower,” this weekend. Evening performances are Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17 at 7 p.m., and matinee performances are Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18 at 1 p.m. at the Norwich High School.

As always, 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: tap, ballet, jazz, acrobatics, lyrical, modern/contemporary, musical theater, and hip hop. With a wide selection of music and dance art forms, the local and talented performers have been inspired to reach for their dreams.

Anyone can dance! Home grown dancers range from the tiniest of beginner predancers to the accomplished young adult dancers, including several adult dancers, too!

This year’s performances are the culmination of a dance year filled with hard work, discipline, and fun! The dancers are nurtured throughout the year by caring, experienced dance faculty who encourage them to create their own magic.

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 all. Dance is not just for an elite group. You don’t have to be the perfect dancer to create the movement with the music, and experience the magic of dance. The performances are intertwined around music from all genres and ages.

The audience will not only hear and feel the music as it is combined with the visuals created through the movement of dance, but 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 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 Donna Frech Sharp. “Whether it’s the intensive study student who attends classes 4 to 5 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."

“We take pride in knowing that our school is for everyone who wishes to dance, and my staff and I genuinely care about each and every dancer. Winning awards is nice, and we are so proud of all of our dancers who choose to compete for awards. However, it’s more about how much joy dance can bring to a child. It helps to influence good character, the understanding of commitment and dedication, and achieve the results of hard work. It is fun, improves confidence, and is a physical activity that will encourage a healthy mind, body, and soul.”

The matinee performance at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday features younger performers along with a few of the dance numbers from the evening performance.

The cast of the evening performances, set for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, is made up of a variety of dancers. There are students who have been dancing for as many as 15 years, and there are younger students who are dancing the first time in the senior recital. Of course, there is some comic relief too (you’ll just have to see it to believe it. We love our dance moms and dance dads).

“The younger students are amazing to watch on stage. The tiny ones are just so adorable” said Frech Sharp. “It is so gratifying to know that we have been able to offer them a little glance into the world of performing arts. They are such a joy to teach. It is so rewarding to see young students progress through the years and become beautiful dancers."

Throughout the last 48 years, thousands of dance students have passed through the doors at The Donna Frech School of Dance. Donna Frech Sharp 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 studied with the Donna Frech School of Dance.

DFSD instructors Donna Frech Sharp, Kathleen Cragle, Kristen Miller, Kayla Stage, Breanne Heath, Jazmine Albin, Arielle Newell, and Suzanne Pelaez invite you be see the movement, hear the music, and experience the magic this weekend. All have worked collectively to present such a diverse collage of dance performances.

A special thank you to DF Dance staff, parents, family, and friends behind the scenes who have made it possible to present such wonderful performances.

Tickets are available at by emailing donnafrechdance@gmail.com and will be available at the door prior to each performance.

-Information provided by DFSD