TONIGHT: Dance Blast Will Bring Down the House

Watching a dress rehearsal for Dance Blast at Curtis High School, I witnessed an explosive force of talent beyond my expectations.

Now I understand the popularity of this annual event. It opens at 7 p.m. tonight at the school's Performing Arts Center, followed by performances at the same time March 25, then 6 p.m., March 27.

The word "impressive" hardly describes this well-rehearsed event.

"This is my 22nd year of producing this show," said Director and Faculty Choreographer Brenda Gormly, whose enthusiasm never wanes. She also teaches dance exercise and yoga at Curtis in the P.E. department.

The forty-plus student dancers — who kicked, flicked, twirled, and stomped with precise movements — kept right with the beat and reflected Gormly's professionalism and dedication.

Gormly said that beyond the formal supervision they receive from her each week, many of the groups get together on their own time to perfect their moves. Some started very young and others learned at Curtis.

Gormly likes to include different styles of music to offer everyone who sees the show something they will like. Of the 10 dances presented, the one she herself choreographed is set to music by Sheryl Crowe and titled "Demons Within." It uses powerful, haunting images of drug addiction.

Curtis alumni choreographers Dontavious Manning and Lauren Bishop Molinaro each choreographed a dance, and student choreographers from the school's senior class did the rest. Technical Director David Wehmhoefer brings his own professionalism, experience and talents to Dance Blast for the fifteenth year.

Tickets can be purchased at the high school's main office by check or cash from 7 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $6 for general admission, or $8 reserved with prices $2 higher at the door. Don't miss the best entertainment value around.