This year's senior dance class struck a pose at the end of one of their class dances. From left to right: Emily Carnahan, Kayleah Laughlin, Hannah Houghton, and Macy Welsh. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

On Saturday, May 3, Gail’s Academy of Dance held their seventh annual recital. This year’s theme was “While We Are Here, We Should Dance!”, and just that they did!

Owner and dance instructor Gail Ridout, took the day to highlight the hard hardwork and dedication of this year’s senior class.

“This past Saturday marked the final recital for four of our beloved seniors: Emily Carnahan,

Macy Welsh, Hannah Houghton, and Kayleah Laughlin. Emily and Macy have been dancing

together since they were just three years old. Hannah and Kayleah joined a few years later. It

Pam Wood, former owner of Pam’s School of Dance was in high spirits after the first recital. Pam posed for a picture alongside this year’s crop of instructors. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

has been such a joy to watch all of these girls grow–not only in ability, but in style, confidence,

and grace.”

Quoting Taylor Swift is something Gail finds herself doing often, on Saturday this was no different. What came to mind was “Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you.”

In both her speech at the end of the recital and in a message to the News Chronicle, Gail echoed thanks for people key to making the recital a possibility.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming to the seventh annual Gail’s

This year's dance teachers, Back row left to right: Jenna Meyer and Tara Upah. Front row left to right: Cyenna Haughey, Gail Ridout, and Elaina Ridout. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Academy of Dance Recital. To our amazing dancers: you put on a beautiful, heartfelt, and entertaining show. Each of you did a fantastic job, and we are so proud of you!

Special thanks to: All the parents, Our backstage crew, Teachers and helpers: Tara Upah, Jenna Meyer, Cyenna Haughey, Taylor Upah, and Elaina Ridout, Cathy Campbell, owner of Cat Trax Productions, Jim McNamee for lighting, Charlie Borowicz for videography, Cory Hall for photography, April English, our graphic designer, Meskwaki Bingo and Casino for continuing to host our recital each year, Carol Reynolds and Terri Hernandez for their behind-the-scenes help with all the details.”

After offering her family and friends a heartfelt thank you, she offered an invitation to see the working of her studio in action one more time at the Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival.

“If you missed us last Saturday, we have one final performance at the Lincoln Highway

Celebration! A handful of dancers will be in the 10:00 AM parade on Saturday, May 17th

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Following the parade, we’ll have a performance at 12:30.”

With that, the curtain fell on another successful year of dancing for Gail’s Academy of Dance.