Donna Frech dancers performing in this weekend's 49th season recital, "In Perfect Harmony." Evening performances are Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, at 7 p.m., and matinee performances are Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16, at 1 p.m. at the Norwich High School. (Submitted photos)

NORWICH — The Donna Frech School of Dance (DFSD) will present its 49th season recital, "In Perfect Harmony," this weekend. Evening performances are Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, at 7 p.m., and matinee performances are Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16, 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, work together in harmony, and show that anyone can dance.

Home grown dancers range from the tiniest of beginner pre-dancers dancers to the most accomplished young adult dancers, including a couple of groups of 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 dancers 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 in harmony 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.

“As I have always said, 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, owner and artistic director. “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."

“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, any 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, whether or not a child continues on in the dance field as an adult.”

The matinee performances 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 for 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.”

Throughout the last 49 years, thousands of dance students have passed through the doors of the Donna Frech School of Dance. Donna Frech Sharp can proudly boast that many of her dance students have become dance teachers, dance therapists, choreographers, 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, Arielle Newell, Suzanne Pelaez, and Gabby Deroche-Chase invite you to see the movement, hear the music, and experience the magic in perfect harmony 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 the Donna Frech School of Dance