Franklin School for the Performing Arts Announces New Classes, 2012-2013 Electric Youth Cast

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) introduces new dance classes for the 2012-2013 school year. Instruction will be offered in Franklin and at the school's new satellite facility in downtown Hudson. Entering its 28th year, FSPA offers a broad range of programming in music, dance and drama, with extensive performing opportunities through the school and the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC).

New classes include Character Dance, Adult Ballet and Horton Technique, as well as Zumba. Character Dance, the stylized representation of traditional folk or national dances, is integral to many classical ballets. The class will enhance dancers' musicality, coordination, use of the upper body and stage presence. Adult Ballet is an elementary class designed for adults who wish to begin or renew studies in Ballet. Horton Technique stresses long lines and demanding isolations that build strength as well as flexibility. FSPA will also offer Zumba, the Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, dance fitness program. Adult Ballet and Zumba joinsa growing number of classes geared to adults at FSPA, including the popular Man Tap and Ladies' Tap and an extensive range of instrumental and vocal private instruction.

Other innovations and additions to the FSPA dance experience include the expansion of the Ballet Conservatory curriculum from two to three tracks to better meet the needs of a broad range of students. To support students pursuing a range of dance disciplines, FSPA also introduces ProjectDance, through which students can build their own programs, emphasizing core study in Ballet, Jazz and/or Modern, with Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Horton Technique and Casey's Class electives. ProjectDance also features master classes, juried evaluations, field trips and other activities. Performance opportunities include three dance companies and a ProjectDance Concert.

Registration for fall classes is ongoing. For more information or to receive a course catalogue and schedule, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.fspaonline.com. FSPA is located at 38 Main Street in Franklin and at 14 Main Street in Hudson.

FSPA's new satellite location in downtown Hudson will officially open on September 28 with a grand-opening celebration, featuring the season debut of Electric Youth.

Electric Youth (EY) is an international touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA). EY members are selected by audition at the beginning of each academic year and are chosen for their superior musicianship, stage presence, and triple threat accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting.

The new Electric Youth members are Madison Asgeirsson, 14, and Kendra Dombroski, 14, of Franklin, Michael Fajardo, 14, of Hopkinton, and Maddy Williams, 14, of Medway. They join returning EY members, Ali Funkhouser, 16, Graham Hancock, 15, Jocelyn Jones, 13, and Shaina McGillis, 14, of Franklin, and Jenna McDermott, 13, of Wrentham.

Backed by an eight-piece band of Boston's finest musicians, Electric Youth offers high-powered family entertainment with exciting choreography and impressive vocals. The ensemble performs a wide range of contemporary pop, classic rock, and Broadway hits. Electric Youth has released five professional CDs and toured Europe nine times. EY has headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families as well as performed on a Royal Caribbean cruise, on Fox-TV, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, Walt Disney World, and the United Nations. EY's music is available on iTunes, CD Baby, and other indie music sites.

EY's show band features FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer on piano, Kenny Hadley on drums, Arnie Krakowsky on tenor saxophone, Artie Montanaro on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet, Mark Poniatowski on bass, Ken Reid on baritone saxophone, and Mark White on guitar. Under the direction of Mark Poniatowski, musical arrangers for Electric Youth are Rick Hammett, Jeff Perry, Walter Platt, Mark White, and Ben Whiting. Choreographers include Mercer, Cheryl Madeux Abbott, Nick Paone, and Kellie Stamp.

For more information, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.electricyouth.com.