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We are honored that you came to our JSOD “Choose Joy” Recital! When we were coming up with a theme and title for this year’s show(s), we truly wanted to pick something that was uplifting and delivered a clear and positive message. There seems to a lot of crazy things and negativity being spread throughout our world and we want to spread a message of hope and peace. So we decided on “Choose Joy” – it’s simple yet so powerful at the same time. I am constantly amazed at the teachers in our studio for not only sharing their passion and talent for dance, but for also challenging our students to choose joy! We are grateful for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us and are honored that we have the opportunity to serve in this community and continue spreading a positive message. These are the spoken words at the beginning of our opening number this year, “Choose Joy.” We hope that you too can join us in accepting this challenge and help make a difference in our community and in the world!

“There’s a moment in the morning where I’m a blank slate/ Not a thought in my head/ And I don’t want to fill it with another violent headline/ You see, we’ve become obsessed with reading every little detail about the senseless acts of violence/ There’s so much bad, there’s so much injustice, it can feel insurmountable/ That’s no way to live/ It’s time for a change/ What if we all choose joy/ Paint the world with color/ It can’t undo the senseless acts of violence, but it will make a difference/ Choosing joy doesn’t mean that we ignore the problem, it means we attack it with a positive approach/ I can look up from my daily routine and see the joy around me/ I can look for the positive and bring back the color to my life/ We can bring back the color and paint the world/ You can choose joy/ You can let it spread by sharing a kind word or by making meaningful actions/ And I can hope that it will spread to everyone it touches/ That those who experience an act of joy will pass it on/ Choose JOY!” Sincerely,

Natalie George

Letter from the Director

Company Dancers picture by Aaron Jetelina

Top Row: Isabella Peña, Carrigan Young, Elise Fuselier, Emma Kate Graham, Katie Chakmakjian, Isabella Rankin, Emilie Rose Norris, Brylie Bottoms, Ella Reid Cates, Hannah Gochis, Laney Scott, Eryn Flood

Middle Row: Joelle Mellon, Alyssa Stuhr, Monica Brown, Chloe Walker, Anna Rohrer, Kaija Kennedy, Anna Jones, Maryann Morgan, Anna Hansen

Bottom Row: Megan Condon, Paige DuPuy, Izzy Veloz, Lillie Kennedy, Sydney Rokas, Brinley Price, Grace Davis, Kate Gibson, Megan Shuler (Not Pictured: Anna Schmidt)

MIDWAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Saturday, June 1010:00 a.m. • 2:00 p. m. • 6:00 p. m.

Sunday, June 112:00 p. m. • 6:00 p. m.

Choose JoyChoreography by Natalie George and Amanda GohringBrylie Bottoms, Monica Brown, Ella Reid Cates, Katie Chakmakjian, Megan Condon, Grace Davis, Paige DuPuy, Eryn Flood, Elise Fuselier, Kate Gibson, Hannah Gochis, Emma Kate Graham, Anna Hansen, Anna Jones, Kaija Kennedy, Lillie Kennedy, Joelle Mellon, Maryann Morgan, Emilie Rose Norris, Isabella Peña, Brinley Price, Isabella Rankin, Anna Rohrer, Sydney Rokas, Anna Schmidt, Laney Scott, Megan Shuler, Alyssa Stuhr, Izzy Veloz, Chloe Walker, Carrigan Young

Hardknock LifeChoreography by Micah SanduskyMillicent Cherry, Isabella Dunning, Aubree Johnson, Julie Newlin, Mallory Nicholson, Madison Unger, Madelyn Weaver

Thank Heaven for Little GirlsChoreography by Rissé MillerSophia Cornell, Aubrey Ellis, Kahmora Jackson, Daphne Loudermilk, Brynlee Nelson, Kathryn Powell, Madeline Seigman, McKenzie Seigman, Kodi Terrell

Listen to the MusicChoreography by Genna HarlowCorrie Claus, Harper Davis, Emilia Hoff, Katherine Kessler, Ruby Nelson, Madelyn Sanders, Olivia Vera

Once Upon a DecemberChoreography by Genna HarlowSarah Matson, Meredith Odle, Elva Qiao, Ava Turner

Zip a Dee Doo DahChoreography by Ashley WoodardCadence Allen, Brianna Holloway, Kimber Kurtz, Kaitlyn Lowe, Olivia McGlothlin

Real Love (Saturday Only) Choreographed and Performed by Megan Condon

Savior to Me (Sunday Only) Choreographed and Performed by Lillie Kennedy

I’ll Be AlrightChoreography by Amanda McKethanAmanda Baker, Kyleigh Benton, Katherine Bogan, Sophia Brooks, Caroline Carter, Alice Clafferty, Kaitlyn Helona, Cadence Kubacak, Paige Moore, Kyleigh Nugent, Gabrielle Oyler, Annie Pattillo, Ansley Richards, Caitlin Sanders, Brooklynn Walts, Brinley Weaver, Sydney Williams

Dance of the Masks Choreography by Katie GriffithAlly Jo Alexander, Audree Buechel, Kaitlin Granger, Fallon Ivy

Call On MeChoreography by Amanda McKethanTiffany Ashcraft, Adelyn Brummett, Katherine Day, Jordan Hipp, Madelyn Powell, Emily Roberts, Giselle Salinas, Tally Smith, Elanah Sriram

2:00pm ShowAct 1 Valse from Giselle

Choreography by Katie GriffithMarlee Boles, Abby Capron, Erin Duerksen, Selah Ecklund, Suri Espinosa, Lilly Fudge, Layla Garcia, Reagan Gregory, Sophia Hoff, Anna Helen Hope, Charis Lynch, Claire Martin, Addyson McEachern, Kaylee Miller, Paige Peters, Josephene Salinas, Kaleah Stewart, Jenna Thompson, Savanna Tinney

The Schuyler Sisters (from Hamilton)Choreography by Amanda GohringBrylie Bottoms, Ella Reid Cates, Katie Chakmakjian, Eryn Flood, Elise Fuselier, Hannah Gochis, Emma Kate Graham, Emilie Rose Norris, Isabella Peña, Isabella Rankin, Laney Scott, Carrigan Young

Girl in the BandChoreography by Ashley WoodardEmily Adamo, Sarah Anderson, Eliana Dietrich, Lillianna McNamara, Claire Prather, McKenna Selman

Classically Atop the WorldChoreography by Amanda GohringKenley Alford, Piper Brooks, Stella Clafferty, Rosalie Fudge, Emmalyn Hood, Adelyn Hughes, Kristen Hughes, Emma Jennings, Audrey Kubacek, Audrey Mechenbier, Katie Moore, Hattie Olson, Abigail Ruf, Sloane Sellers, Elise Snider, Abby Stanford

I’ve Got Plenty to be Thankful ForChoreography by Katie GriffithBrailyn Allen, Lindsay Barker, Braylee Garner, Julia Hooten, Evelyn Huckabay, Lila Mcclain, Natalie McGrath, Maryn Montez, Gracie Moore, Abigail Polk, Brynleigh Walts, Madelyn Weaver, Kyra Young

Dance of the HoursChoreography by Katie GriffithHannah Antunes, Betsy Grace Armstrong, Hayley Caldera, Dacey Dougherty, Ava Hansen, Lacie Jones, Rhett Olson, Fatima Ortiz, Mylee Pickens, Stella Raimondo, Raeann Reisinger, Madison Ruf, Alyson Stuhr, Madison Unger

Try EverythingChoreography by Amanda McKethanAmanda Baker, Kyleigh Benton, Caroline Carter, Alice Clafferty, Ivy Moore, Paige Moore, Kyleigh Nugent, Gabrielle Oyler, Caitlin Sanders, Brooklynn Walts, Brinley Weaver, Sydney Williams

SugarChoreography by Erin HorneGrainne Dutter, Emma Kruse, Whitley Lowry, Emma Pitts

Jumbo Pop HustleChoreography by Genna HarlowCadence Allen, Chloie Holdridge, Mia Johnklass, Kimber Kurtz, Olivia McGlothlin

Don’t Stop Dancing Choreography by Ashley WoodardCassie Dwyer, Alaina Foil, Lily Nolan, Ashley Raley, Madelyn Smith, Tally Smith, Alyssa Tinney, Chloe Tompkins

Swagger JaggerChoreography by Amanda GohringAlly Jo Alexander, Brailyn Allen, Audree Buechel, Isabella Dunning, Alexandria Hatten, Scarlett Holey, Brianna Holloway, Kaitlyn Lowe, Lucy Mandujano, Destini Michum, Katie Moore, Madelyn Weaver, Kenley Wilson, Reese Wilson

Different Drum (Senior Clinic Dance)Choreography by Megan Condon and Lillie KennedyTiffany Ashcraft, Piper Brooks, Sophia Brooks, Abby Capron, Erin Duerksen, Selah Eckland, Kaitlin Granger, Emilia Hoff, Sophia Hoff, Scarlett Holey, Emma Jennings, Aubree Johnson, Katherine Kessler, Natalie McGrath, Ruby Nelson, Paige Peters, Emily Roberts, Abigail Ruf, Madison Ruf, Josephene Salinas, Madelyn Sanders, Alyson Stuhr

Psalm 34 (Taste and See)Choreography by Natalie GeorgeMonica Brown, Megan Condon, Grace Davis, Paige DuPuy, Kate Gibson, Anna Hansen, Anna Jones, Kaija Kennedy, Lillie Kennedy, Joelle Mellon, Maryann Morgan, Brinley Price, Anna Rohrer, Sydney Rokas, Anna Schmidt, Megan Shuler, Alyssa Stuhr, Izzy Veloz, Chloe Walker, Holly Whitfield “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3

Just the Way You Are (Ballerina Dreams)Choreography by Abby RemineNeely Coleman, Savannah Haley, Elizabeth Nickel

The Grass Withers and the Flower FallsChoreography by Lydia SpanoMegan Condon, Grace Davis, Lillie Kennedy, Brinley Price, Sydney Rokas, Anna Schmidt, Sarah Tucker“The grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” 1 Peter 1:24-25

Rock That BodyChoreography by Amanda GohringMaci Ball, Holly Carpenter, Sylvan Cochran, Isabella Embry, Aubrey Garrett, Fallon Ivy, Sarah Laundy, Hattie Olson, Rhett Olson, Kamryn Petty, Zoe Pleasant, Allison Posey, Vianney Vilchis

We Got the BeatChoreography by Ashley WoodardBrynlee Nelson, Kathryn Powell, Kodi Terrell

MagicChoreography by Katie GriffithBetsy Grace Armstrong, Lacie Jones, Kimora Lee, Alejandra Limones, Lucy Mandujano, Fatima Ortiz, Stella Raimondo, Raeann Reisinger, Madison Ruf, Alyson Stuhr

Can’t Stop the FeelingChoreography by Genna HarlowCadence Allen, Kiely Grace Doyle, Chloie Holdridge, Mia Jonklass, Olivia McGlothlin

On Top of the WorldChoreography by Amanda McKethanMarlee Boles, Abby Capron, Erin Duerksen, Selah Ecklund, Lilly Fudge, Claire Martin, Paige Peters

Happy Working SongChoreography by Genna HarlowEmily Adamo, Lilianna McNamara, Claire Prather, McKenna Selman

Good ThingChoreography by Alexi GrantBrailyn Allen, Lindsay Barker, Parker Black, Braylee Garner, Julia Hooten, Evelyn Huckabay, Aubree Johnson, Lila Mcclain, Natalie McGrath, Maryn Montez, Abigail Polk, Brynleigh Walts, Madelyn Weaver, Kyra Young

Clap Your HandsChoreography by Amanda McKethanAlly Jo Alexander, Audree Buechel, Kaitlin Granger, Fallon Ivy, Brooklyn Wingert

Blackberry WinterChoreography by Rissé MillerTiffany Ashcraft, Adelyn Brummett, Katherine Day, Jordan Hipp, Mariel Howard, Abby Peters, JoEllen Pittman, Madelyn Powell, Giselle Salinas, Tally Smith, Elanah Sriram

I Love MeChoreography by Amanda GohringKenley Alford, Piper Brooks, Stella Clafferty, Rosalie Fudge, Emma Jennings, Audrey Kubacek, Katie Moore, Hattie Olson, Abigail Ruf, Elise Snider, Abby Stanford

ReflectionsChoreography by Erin HorneGrainne Dutter, Emma Kruse, Alyson Lide, Emma Pitts, Madelyn Smith

Under the SeaChoreography by Ashley WoodardAubrey Ellis, Kathryn Powell

Act 22:00pm Show

IntermissionT T

Level 4 Company Dancers

“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” - Jalaluddin Rumi

Good to Be AliveChoreography by Natalie GeorgeEmily Adamo, Gracie Barrier, Lilianna McNamara, Claire Prather, Evangeline Ryden, McKenna Selman

Thy WillChoreography by Amanda McKethanAmanda Baker, Kyleigh Benton, Katherine Bogan, Sophia Brooks, Caroline Carter, Alice Clafferty, Kaitlyn Helona, Cadence Kubacak, Ivy Moore, Paige Moore, Kyleigh Nugent, Gabrielle Oyler, Lily Ray, Caitlin Sanders, Brooklynn Walts, Brinley Weaver, Sydney Williams

Joy Down in My SoulChoreography by Katie GriffithBetsy Grace Armstrong, Dacey Dougherty, Ava Hansen, Lacie Jones, Rhett Olson, Fatima Ortiz, Mylee Pickens, Stella Raimondo, Raeann Reisinger, Madison Ruf, Alyson Stuhr

Nobody’s PerfectChoreography by Amanda GohringPiper Brooks, Stella Clafferty, Emmalyn Hood, Adelyn Hughes, Kristen Hughes, Emma Jennings, Audrey Mechenbier, Katie Moore, Abigail Ruf, Sloane Sellers, Allison Smith, Elise Snider, Abby Stanford

Ants Marching/ Ode to JoyChoreography by Genna HarlowCorrie Claus, Harper Davis, Emilia Hoff, Katherine Kessler, Ruby Nelson, Madelyn Sanders, Olivia Vera, Vianney Vilchis

CelebrationChoreography by Katie GriffithSarah Matson, Meredith Odle, Elva Qiao, Ava Turner

JoyChoreography by Katie GriffithMarlee Boles, Abby Capron, Selah Ecklund, Suri Espinosa, Lilly Fudge, Reagan Gregory, Sophia Hoff, Anna Helen Hope, Charis Lynch, Claire Martin, Addyson McEachern, Kaylee Miller, Paige Peters, Josephene Salinas, Jenna Thompson, Savanna Tinney

Russian Dance from Swan Lake Choreography by Katie GriffithBrailyn Allen, Lindsay Barker, Parker Black, Lilyanna Fuller, Braylee Garner, Julia Hooten, Evelyn Huckabay, Lila Mcclain, Natalie McGrath, Maryn Montez, Gracie Moore, Abigail Polk, Brynleigh Walts, Madelyn Weaver, Kyra Young

Shake the RoomChoreography by Amanda McKethanTiffany Ashcraft, Adelyn Brummett, Katherine Day, Jordan Hipp, Mariel Howard, Madelyn Powell, Tally Smith, Elanah Sriram

Did I MentionChoreography by Amanda McKethanAlly Jo Alexander, Audree Buechel, Dacey Dougherty, Kaitlin Granger, Ava Hansen, Fallon Ivy, Brooklyn Wingert

Pep RallyChoreography by Amanda GohringSkylar Cole, Rylee Colman, Caitlyn Gerick, Maddie Jackson, Lilianna McNamara, Paige Moore, Kyleigh Nugent, Emily Roberts, McKenna Selman

Presentation of Awards - 5 and 10 Years

EverlastingChoreography by Chloe Connally and Faith VeitenheimerMonica Brown, Megan Condon, Grace Davis, Paige DuPuy, Kate Gibson, Anna Hansen, Anna Jones, Kaija Kennedy, Lillie Kennedy, Joelle Mellon, Maryann Morgan, Brinley Price, Anna Rohrer, Sydney Rokas, Anna Schmidt, Megan Shuler, Alyssa Stuhr, Izzy Veloz, Chloe Walker“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

Finale

Nothing’s Gonna Steal My Joy

Entire Cast

Level 6 Company Dancers

Extra Notes Recital Flowers from HEB – Don’t forget to purchase beautiful recital flowers for your little star! HEB florists will be selling flowers in the lobby before the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. shows on Saturday through intermission and the 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. shows on Sunday through intermission.

2017 Recital DVDs – All 5 shows are professionally filmed by Magination Video. Please visit their table in the lobby to order your Recital DVDs today or order conveniently online at http://maginationvideo.com/product-category/dance/joys-school-of-dance/. Please call (254) 749-9691 if you need to place your order after the shows.

Recital Action Shots – Be sure to visit Aaron Jetelina and his staff to view and purchase action shots of your dancing star on stage!

JSOD Summer Classes and Camps! – Visit our information table in the lobby for registration forms and information on our fun summer classes!

JSOD Summer Classes – 5 weeks – July 10 – Aug. 11 • Mommy and Me Ballet – Ages 1&2 – Mondays 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. or Wednesdays 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. • Preschool Ballet/Tap Combo Classes – Ages 3&4 – Mondays or Tuesdays 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. or Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. • Ballet/Tap Combo Classes – Ages 5&6 – Mondays 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., Tuesdays 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. • Jazz/Hip Hop Combo Class – Ages 5&6 – Mondays or Tuesdays 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Princess Camp – Session 1 - July 10 – 14 (Closed), Session 2 – July 24 – 28, Session 3 – July 31 – Aug. 4 – 10 a.m. – noon. Ballet, creative movement, Disney Princess arts and crafts, princess etiquette and more! Ages 3 - 6

Diva Day Camp – July 17 - 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Dance History, Stage Makeup, and More! Students going into 2nd through 5th grades

Broadway Camp – July 24 – 28, 2 – 4 p.m., Musical Theater, Singing, Dancing, Props, Stage Makeup, and More! Students going into 2nd – 8th grades, Register through MCC Kids College by calling (254) 299-8888

Open Advanced Summer Classes (Ages 13 – up) • Ballet – Mondays 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Runs July 10 – Aug. 7) • Tap – Tuesdays 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Runs July 11 – 25 ONLY) • Hip Hop – Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Runs July 12 – Aug. 9)

Fall Classes – 2017/18 Schedule forms have already been sent home with our current students. Please use our customer portal online to register for your fall classes. Our complete fall schedule is available on our website at www.jsodwaco.com. We will be accepting fall registration for new students starting July 10! Please call us for proper starter level placement for your dancer!

Ballerina Dreams – The Ballerina Dreams program was started in 2007 at JSOD through Hope Therapy Program. This is our 10th Anniversary year celebrating this program! This special program allows children with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of dance. The program is fully funded through donations and community support. If you are interested in contributing to this program, would like to volunteer, or have a child to recommend, please contact the dance studio or Hope Therapy.

Miriam’s Army – Miriam’s Army is a dance ministry outreach program at JSOD that partners with Shirley Langston and Restoration Haven, which serves the Estella Maxey public housing complex. These students take free ballet, jazz and hip hop classes monthly at the studio. The program is designed to encourage these young women to be confident and disciplined and to use dance as a tool to praise and worship God. This program is made possible through the help of Carver Park Baptist Church, and donors through Restoration Haven. The program is led by Amanda McKethan, Amanda Gohring, Ashley Woodard and JSOD Dance Company volunteers.

Acknowledgements To Our Students: We are so proud of each and every one of you! Your hard work has paid off and congratulations on a beautiful performance. Thanks for sharing your passion for dance with us and your family and friends! You bless our lives weekly and teach us more than you will ever know. You truly encourage us to “Choose Joy”!

To Our Parents: Thank you for loving your dancers and sharing them with us. Thank you for your support in helping to make this show a huge success! We couldn’t have done it without you!

To Our Staff: What an incredible year we have had together! Thank you for giving of yourself and your time to share your passion of dance and education with our students. You are truly incredible teachers and our studio is very blessed to have each and every one of you on our staff!

Sound Technician: Katy Flowers

Light Technician: Darrell Umhoefer

Special Thanks: A very special thanks to all dance parents, Student Assistants, Rebecca Herron, Nick Herron, Skunky Daddy Services, Sue Ainsworth, Dr. Clinton George, Darrell Umhoefer, David Wellbaum, Katy Flowers, Gradel Printing, Kenneth and Diane Swank, Scott and White Southwest Sports Medicine, W Promotions, Ninja Interns, Loeen and Kerry Irons, Jeff Massingale, Shirley Langston, Dance “Meal” Moms, Hope Therapy, MCC Continuing Education, and Kid’s College.

7560 Bosque Blvd. - 6714 Woodway Dr.Waco, TX 76712 - (254) 776-1797www.jsodwaco.com

Congratulations Graduating Seniors Megan Condon - Reicher Catholic High School, 14 years of Dance Training, 9 years at JSOD, JSOD Company Member, JSOD Student Assistant Teacher, TATD Senior Hip Hop Scholarship Winner, Varsity Cheerleader for 2 years at Vanguard College Preparatory School, Jazzcat Dance Team Member for 2 years at Reicher, Megan will be attending MCC Honors Program with a full scholarship with plans to transfer to Texas A&M and major in communications and minor in dance and business. She has aspirations to dance professionally at Disney World or as a Dallas Mavericks Dancer.

Lillie Kennedy - 11 years of dance, 10 years at JSOD, JSOD Dance Company Member, JSOD Student Assistant Teacher, Dot Vines Dance Member, Ballet Magnificat! Scholarship Recipient, National Honor Society, Spirit Award for Leadership, UIL Excellent rating Voice Solo, Fellowship Bible Church Student Advisory and leadership team, Worship Team, VBS/Sports Camp/Mission Trip Volunteer, Mission Waco Volunteer. Lillie has been awarded a 4 year Christian Leadership Scholarship to Dallas Baptist University where she will be attending in the Fall to pursue a BS in Kinesiology (Exercise Science).

Awards10 Year Awards – Kennedy Carter, Lillie Kennedy, Gabriella Peña, Anna Rohrer, Izzy Veloz5 Year Awards – Ally Jo Alexander, Hannah Antunes, Caetlynn Bogan, Katherine Bogan, Sophia Brooks, Grace Contreras, Carlee Cooper, Megan Davis, Emily Greathouse, Reagan Gregory, Alexandria Hatten, Ava Hansen, Elizabeth Hooten, Julia Hooten, Cadence Kubacak, Alyson Lide, Natalie McGrath, Sophie Meador, Paige Moore, Elizabeth Nickel, Fatima Ortiz, Abby Polk, Madelyn Powell, Stella Raimondo, Madison Ruf, Laney Scott, Sydney Smith, Rachel Stoner, Hope Tucker

StaffNatalie (Todd) George – Owner/Director, Dance Company Director, Ballet, Tap, Lyrical and Jazz Instructor for all levels, TATD Board of Directors, Member Teacher and Guest Faculty Teacher, BA Public Relations Baylor University, More than 20 years teaching at JSOD, Former JSOD Dance Company Member, Baylor University Faculty HHPR Dance Professor, Baylor Dance Company Advisor, Brazos Valley Co-op Dance Teacher

Amanda McKethan – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop Instructor, Studio Manager, TATD Board of Directors and Member Teacher, BS Elementary Education Baylor University, Former JSOD Dance Company Member, More than 10 years of teaching experience, Brazos Valley Co-op TeacherLauren Bueno – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater and Contemporary Instructor, BA Journalism and Theater from Baylor University, Baylor Dance Company officer and member, former JSOD Dance Company Member, Waco Children’s Theater Choreographer, 5 years of teaching experienceChloe Connally –Jazz and Contemporary Instructor, Junior at Baylor University majoring in Nonprofit Marketing, Former JSOD Dance Company Member, 4 years of teaching experience Amanda Gohring –Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary Instructor, Dance Company Director, TATD Member and Guest Faculty Teacher, BBA Marketing Tarleton State University, Former JSOD Dance Company Member, More than 10 years of teaching experience, W Promotions Marketing Rep, BDC Choreographer Alexi Grant – Ballet, Tap and Jazz Instructor, BS Speech Pathology from Baylor Univeristy, Rhythmic Souls Tap Company, Dallas acclaimed Youth Tap Company Member, Drawbacks Youth Tap Ensemble and Adult Company, 5 years of teaching experienceKatie Griffith – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe and Contemporary Instructor, Neos Dance Theater Company Member, Ballet Memphis Company Member, Verbs Ballet Guest Dancer, Ballet Theater of Ohio, Out On a Limb Company Member, 8 years of teaching experienceEmily Gutzmann – Ballet and Tap Instructor, Baylor Univeristy student majoring in Environmental Science, 1 year of teaching experienceGenna Harlow – Ballet, Pointe, Tap, and Musical Theater Instructor, BS General Studies with a concentration in Child and Family Studies, Management and Psychology from Tarleton State University, Waco Children’s Theatre, Waco Civic Theatre, MCC Theatre, TATD Member Teacher, More than 10 years of teaching experienceErin Horne – Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Ballerina Dreams Instructor, Baylor University student majoring in Health Science Studies/Premed, Baylor Dance Company Member, 1 year of teaching experienceRissé Miller – Ballet Instructor, BA Theology Impact International School of Ministr;y, 3-D Dance, Sheena’s Dance Academy, Allegro School of Dance and Music, The Dream Dance Center, Preschool of the Arts, More than 15 years of teaching experienceAbby Remine – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Ballerina Dreams Instructor, BS Elementary Education from Tarleton State University, TATD Member Teacher, Former JSOD Dance Company Member, 6 years of teaching experienceLydia Spano – Advanced Ballet/Pointe Instructor, Ballet Magnificat Omega Company Member, Assistant to the Artistic Director, Master Teacher in USA, Belize, Honduras, Czech Republic, and Prague, Ballet Austin Company Member, Northwest Pacific Ballet, More than 10 years of teaching experienceMicah Sandusky – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater Instructor, 3 years of teaching experienceBrooke Schlecte – Modern Tech/Improv Instructor, Founder and Artistic Director of Out On a Limb Dance Company (OoLD), OoLD DOT BUDS and OoLD DOT VINES, Director of 254 Dance-Festival, MFA Texas Women’s University in Dance, BFA University of Texas in Dance, Master Teacher, More than 10 years of teaching experienceFaith Veitemheimer – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary Instructor, Dance Revolution Tour Assistant, Epicenter Company Member, Out on a Limb Intern, 254 Festival Intern, Baylor University student majoring in Nursing, 4 years of teaching experienceAshley Woodard – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater and Dance Team Instructor, MCC Dance Company, Texas Women’s University emphasis in Modern Dance, Walt Disney World Character Performer Intern, Waco Civic Theater Performer and assistant choreographerStudio Spring Interns – “The Ninjas” Kelsey Johnson and Angela ZunigaStudent Assistants – Monica Brown, Ella Reid Cates, Megan Condon, Eryn Flood, Elise Fuselier, Kate Gibson, Hannah Gochis, Anna Hansen, Anna Jones, Kaija Kennedy, Lillie Kennedy, Maryann Morgan, Emilie Rose Norris, Isabella Peña, Brinley Price, Isabella Rankin, Anna Rohrer, Sydney Rokas, Anna Schmidt, Alyssa Stuhr, Chloe Walker, Carrigan Young

We are proud to be partnering with these businesses this year -

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We are honored that you came to our JSOD “Choose Joy” Recital! When we were coming up with a theme and title for this year’s show(s), we truly wanted to pick something that was uplifting and delivered a clear and positive message. There seems to a lot of crazy things and negativity being spread throughout our world and we want to spread a message of hope and peace. So we decided on “Choose Joy” – it’s simple yet so powerful at the same time. I am constantly amazed at the teachers in our studio for not only sharing their passion and talent for dance, but for also challenging our students to choose joy! We are grateful for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us and are honored that we have the opportunity to serve in this community and continue spreading a positive message. These are the spoken words at the beginning of our opening number this year, “Choose Joy.” We hope that you too can join us in accepting this challenge and help make a difference in our community and in the world!

“There’s a moment in the morning where I’m a blank slate/ Not a thought in my head/ And I don’t want to fill it with another violent headline/ You see, we’ve become obsessed with reading every little detail about the senseless acts of violence/ There’s so much bad, there’s so much injustice, it can feel insurmountable/ That’s no way to live/ It’s time for a change/ What if we all choose joy/ Paint the world with color/ It can’t undo the senseless acts of violence, but it will make a difference/ Choosing joy doesn’t mean that we ignore the problem, it means we attack it with a positive approach/ I can look up from my daily routine and see the joy around me/ I can look for the positive and bring back the color to my life/ We can bring back the color and paint the world/ You can choose joy/ You can let it spread by sharing a kind word or by making meaningful actions/ And I can hope that it will spread to everyone it touches/ That those who experience an act of joy will pass it on/ Choose JOY!” Sincerely,

Natalie George

Letter from the Director

Company Dancers picture by Aaron Jetelina

Top Row: Isabella Peña, Carrigan Young, Elise Fuselier, Emma Kate Graham, Katie Chakmakjian, Isabella Rankin, Emilie Rose Norris, Brylie Bottoms, Ella Reid Cates, Hannah Gochis, Laney Scott, Eryn Flood

Middle Row: Joelle Mellon, Alyssa Stuhr, Monica Brown, Chloe Walker, Anna Rohrer, Kaija Kennedy, Anna Jones, Maryann Morgan, Anna Hansen

Bottom Row: Megan Condon, Paige DuPuy, Izzy Veloz, Lillie Kennedy, Sydney Rokas, Brinley Price, Grace Davis, Kate Gibson, Megan Shuler (Not Pictured: Anna Schmidt)

MIDWAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Saturday, June 1010:00 a.m. • 2:00 p. m. • 6:00 p. m.

Sunday, June 112:00 p. m. • 6:00 p. m.