| Dance, fun, entertainment - one step at a time | | | | children are now enrolled - as well as Browney and |
| This appeared in the Virginian Pilot in June 2010 | | | | some of her staff. Some, the announcer said, had not |
| I KNEW my 5-year-old granddaughter was taking | | | | been on a stage in 25 years - but one would never |
| dance classes. I knew she was having fun, and that at | | | | know that based on the caliber of the performance. |
| some point my presence would be required at her | | | | Indeed, Browney was being modest when she called |
| end-of-the-year recital. | | | | this a recital, which is somewhat like calling the Super |
| I pictured Ciera on stage in a school gym, similar to the | | | | Bowl a scrimmage. It was, in every sense of the word, |
| setting of my sister's recital so many years ago, and I | | | | a true production - complete with the music, |
| figured I would be mildly entertained but very proud of | | | | choreography and engineering. |
| my budding ballerina - and prepared to give the | | | | Having been a musician most of my life and having |
| obligatory applause at the end of each routine. | | | | occupied the orchestra pit during a few amateur |
| Then my wife informed me that Ciera's recital was | | | | productions, I know the discipline and hard work it |
| going to be at Chrysler Hall - at $18 per ticket. | | | | takes to prepare for a performance. It requires a |
| "Are they out of their minds?" I asked. They're having | | | | dedicated staff as well as students willing to devote |
| a kids' dance recital at Chrysler Hall? Surely they could | | | | hours of practice and parents who will make the |
| come up with a less elaborate venue for a lower price. | | | | necessary sacrifices. |
| But that shows how much I knew about the talent and | | | | Even the youngest children were well choreographed, |
| capabilities of Susan Browney and her staff at Golden | | | | taking direction from their leaders in the orchestra pit. |
| Slippers Dance Academy. | | | | More than their skill level, which was impressive on its |
| What I saw last weekend was much more than your | | | | own, I appreciated that the kids were enjoying |
| average recital. Not only was it worth every penny of | | | | themselves. |
| the ticket price, but it was as professional a production | | | | With all the distractions they have these days, all the |
| as I have ever seen in that building. | | | | outlets for entertainment - not just TV and radio, but |
| The students ranged in age from preschool through | | | | also video games and iPods and myriad opportunities |
| high school, and the performances - 30 in total - | | | | for time on the couch - these kids are getting physical |
| offered great variety, from show tune dances to | | | | and mental stimulation. They're learning discipline. |
| complex ballet and Broadway-style choreography. | | | | They're becoming poised and developing stage |
| The theme, "In Memory Of," honored performers and | | | | presence. |
| musicians over the years, as well as Dr. Martin Luther | | | | In this day and time, when we hear so much about |
| King Jr. and Princess Diana. There were moments | | | | how undisciplined our society is, it's reassuring to see |
| when we all laughed, and there were moments that | | | | so many of our young folks willing to work so hard. |
| brought the toughest tough guys to tears. | | | | These kids will do well in life because they are learning |
| Emcee Joe Flanagan of WVEC-TV entertainingly | | | | at an early age what it takes - one step at a time. |
| portrayed Janis Joplin, Buddy Holly, Liberace, Alfred | | | | Guest columnist Mike Cohen of Virginia Beach is a |
| Hitchcock and Elvis, among others. | | | | contracts manager with a government contractor. |
| An extra treat was a number by graduates whose | | | | |
