People who have come to love Kathy Ryan's Dance Studio performances for the pyrotechnic and lighting effects will not be disappointed with the school's 20th anniversary celebration.
“We are unique because of the special effects,” Ryan said. “And I love rock 'n' roll. All the shows will use that style of music, and it will have a theme.”
For what Ryan calls the last dance, she will let loose with a barrage of flash pods, fog machines, laser lights, effects bombs and music in addition to the dancers themselves.
“The fire department comes just as a safety precaution because of all the effects we use,” Ryan said. “There has never, ever been a problem but they always enjoy coming and watching the show. They just love it.”
This year's dance theme will be a throw back to the studio's first performance, Ryan said.
“It's called ‘Dance20.' All of the music will feature dancing,” Ryan said. “We will have David Bowie's ‘Let's Dance,' and The Bee Gees' ‘You Should be Dancing.' I hate The Bee Gees though; I hate disco. We will also have Soulja Boy and Electric Light Orchestra's ‘Fire on High.'”
But it's not all rock music and explosions.
“There will be classical ballet. That's mandatory because it's the root of all dance,” Ryan said. “We also use music by Chicago, cabaret and show tunes just for fun.”
Getting to the 20th anniversary mark has not been an easy task.
Ryan had to move her business once because the rent was too expensive; she had to work through the economical hardships that any business would encounter. She also had to fight off a thief.
“It's fine, I have only been robbed once,” Ryan said. “Someone stole my purse in the middle of a class a long time ago, so I ran after him in my leotard and tights. He got away though unfortunately.”
Ryan has also begun dealing with the physical hardships of her job.
“I want to teach dance until I can't walk anymore,” Ryan said. “And my knees are already starting to go out now. But I got to keep going. My niece, Lily (Stryker) is my new reason to keep on trucking. I have got to see her get old enough to dance. I already got her little tap shoes, and she's going to be in the performance too.”
Ryan credited the support of her family for her business lasting as long as it has.
“My mother has helped me immensely. I have got to be grateful,” Ryan said. “She picks up kids for their lessons and that's unheard of. How many places will pick your kids up? And she watches the kids during the performances, and she helps with the costumes. She is always involved.”
That involvement, as well as the involvement of countless other volunteers, dancers and community members, will reach its pinnacle during the performance as Ryan prepares to enter her 21st year of business.
“Just wait until you see the last dance,” Ryan said. “On the last dance I do whatever I want. It's going to be amazing.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
If you go
What: “Dance20” by Kathy Ryan's Dance Studio
When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 20
Where: Auburn High School, 250 Lake Ave., Auburn
Cost: $8
For what Ryan calls the last dance, she will let loose with a barrage of flash pods, fog machines, laser lights, effects bombs and music in addition to the dancers themselves.
“The fire department comes just as a safety precaution because of all the effects we use,” Ryan said. “There has never, ever been a problem but they always enjoy coming and watching the show. They just love it.”
This year's dance theme will be a throw back to the studio's first performance, Ryan said.
“It's called ‘Dance20.' All of the music will feature dancing,” Ryan said. “We will have David Bowie's ‘Let's Dance,' and The Bee Gees' ‘You Should be Dancing.' I hate The Bee Gees though; I hate disco. We will also have Soulja Boy and Electric Light Orchestra's ‘Fire on High.'”
But it's not all rock music and explosions.
“There will be classical ballet. That's mandatory because it's the root of all dance,” Ryan said. “We also use music by Chicago, cabaret and show tunes just for fun.”
Getting to the 20th anniversary mark has not been an easy task.
Ryan had to move her business once because the rent was too expensive; she had to work through the economical hardships that any business would encounter. She also had to fight off a thief.
“It's fine, I have only been robbed once,” Ryan said. “Someone stole my purse in the middle of a class a long time ago, so I ran after him in my leotard and tights. He got away though unfortunately.”
Ryan has also begun dealing with the physical hardships of her job.
“I want to teach dance until I can't walk anymore,” Ryan said. “And my knees are already starting to go out now. But I got to keep going. My niece, Lily (Stryker) is my new reason to keep on trucking. I have got to see her get old enough to dance. I already got her little tap shoes, and she's going to be in the performance too.”
Ryan credited the support of her family for her business lasting as long as it has.
“My mother has helped me immensely. I have got to be grateful,” Ryan said. “She picks up kids for their lessons and that's unheard of. How many places will pick your kids up? And she watches the kids during the performances, and she helps with the costumes. She is always involved.”
That involvement, as well as the involvement of countless other volunteers, dancers and community members, will reach its pinnacle during the performance as Ryan prepares to enter her 21st year of business.
“Just wait until you see the last dance,” Ryan said. “On the last dance I do whatever I want. It's going to be amazing.”
Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net
If you go
What: “Dance20” by Kathy Ryan's Dance Studio
When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 20
Where: Auburn High School, 250 Lake Ave., Auburn
Cost: $8
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