THE SPOTLIGHT - STUDIO INFORMATION | |
|
Styles: Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Fitness-Influenced Dance (e.g., Zumba, Barre) Youngest Age: 1 | Also Offers: Group Classes |
About THE SPOTLIGHT
Here's how it all started...When I was nine years old, I saw a flyer for the Bill Riley Talent Search hanging in the local pharmacy window. They needed local talent to perform. And even though I had never taken a music or dance lesson before, I knew they were looking for me. It should be noted that this was the era of Flashdance, side ponies, and neon! I choreographed my own dance routine to the song, "Holding Out For A Hero," coached my brother when to stop the music for the perfect ending pose, and costumed myself with my big sister's silver leggings, oversized striped top, and wide belt. The talent show was part of the entertainment for the Adams County Fair. The stage was made of two flatbed trailers parked side-by-side on the racetrack of the Adams County Speedway behind a chain link fence. Judges selected three winners, with first place advancing to the Iowa State Fair. After all the participants performed, we were invited back to line up on the stage. The emcee announced the third-place winner, and my heart started racing. He didn't say my name, and I thought to myself, "Oh wow, the judges must have thought I was really good!" The emcee announced second place. My knees trembled with excitement. Again, it wasn't me. And that's when I knew it. I knew that I won first place. I was going to perform at the Iowa State Fair. I stood tall with pride! I remember looking at my mom just sure of what the emcee was about to say. And then he said it: "The first place winner is... (insert the dance teacher's daughter's name here)." The next morning, I begged Mom and Dad for dance lessons. As a child, I performed every summer in local talent shows. A few times I did advance to perform on the Riley Stage at the Iowa State Fair, but I never won big prizes. I just loved dancing! So here I am, sharing my love of dance with the next generation. To The Spotlight alumni, current students, and loyal fans: THANK YOU! Thank you for being a part of a little girl's dream!Related Articles
by Stephi Wild - June 10, 2026
Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated performer Eddie Izzard is bringing her acclaimed one-person performance of The Tragedy of Hamlet to the Sydney Opera House.
by Stephi Wild - June 10, 2026
Opera Orlando will present NO TENORS ALLOWED, a summer concert series featuring sopranos Nola Richardson, Yeawon Jun, and Johanna Will across three consecutive Sunday performances at Dr.
by Stephi Wild - June 09, 2026
Grace Malouf's debut play FIRST, DO NO HARM, directed by Charley Allanah, will receive its world premiere at NIDA, exploring medical ethics, bodily autonomy, and trans and disabled communities' rights.
by A.A. Cristi - June 08, 2026
Flo & Joan's ONE MAN MUSICAL, winner of Best Production at the Offies 2026, returns to Soho Theatre and Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Edward Easton stepping into the lead role, presented by Avalon.
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - June 08, 2026
Ruth Eckerd Hall and 107.
by Stephi Wild - June 08, 2026
Natalia Jacques, Gracie O'Brien, and Cecilia Petrush will share the role of Ali Rose in BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL, with Jacques leading the West End run, O'Brien heading the UK tour, and Petrush serving as alternate.
by Louise Penn - June 08, 2026
The Lilian Baylis Theatre and associated spaces next door to Sadler's Wells is full of chatter and excitement on day 2 of the Dance Digital film festival.
by Marissa Faith Curley - June 06, 2026
COMING OUT, THE MUSICAL, with book, music, and lyrics by Allison St.
by Shari Barrett - June 06, 2026
9 to 5 the Musical was an enjoyably nostalgic experience for those of us who actually lived through working in mid-20th Century offices, albeit losing much humorous dialogue and lyrics due to the faulty sound system.
by A.A. Cristi - June 05, 2026
THE WOMEN IN THEATRE PROJECT, a musical inspired by interviews with notable women in theatre including Daryl Roth and Lauren Gunderson, will present two performances at The Chain Theater as part of the Spotlight New Works Festival.
by A.A. Cristi - June 05, 2026
Aaron Levy's THE STUDENT BODY, a play addressing body image and identity for teens, will be performed at The Chain Theatre in New York City as part of the Spotlight New Works Festival, with free tickets available.
by Theresa Bertram - June 05, 2026
At just 15 years old, 2025 Miss Arkansas' Teen Amelia Lisowe has already accomplished more than many people do in a lifetime.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - June 05, 2026
Composer and pianist Randy Edelman will perform at several New York venues, including Carnegie Hall, Stonewall Inn, and Triad Theater, featuring film scores from Ghostbusters, Dragonheart, and more.
by Stephi Wild - June 05, 2026
Spotlight Kidz launched their 2026 summer season with the Spotlight KIDZ CABARET 'Anything Goes' theme held recently at Don't Tell Mama.
by Stephi Wild - June 05, 2026
Peter Fenton's dark comedy CORONATION, a teen satire about power and privilege, will receive a staged reading at Manhattan's Chain Theatre as part of the Spotlight New Works Fest.
Videos
