One dance performance, performed to the song, “It’s All Coming Back to me Now,” was a tribute to Chad Glaze, who died on Dec. 31, 2023, in a UTV accident and is the father of dancer, Katy Glaze. His presence was represented by the boots and cowboy hat placed at the front of the stage for the song. Tina L. Scott photo.
BY TINA L. SCOTT EDITOR
Brooke’s School of Dance held their annual dance production last weekend, May 4 and 5, 2024, at the Merrill High School Auditorium. Titled “Let’s Go Party!” this year’s presentation included 39 group performances featuring combinations of tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet, and lyrical dance styles, performed to songs like Barbie Girl, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Life of the Party, Shake the Room, Scream and Shout, and Never Grow Up, plus a well-rounded dancer showcase featuring dancers who take classes in all five styles of dance performed to Don’t Stop the Party. It truly was a party-like atmosphere and the high energy of the dancers kept the party going throughout the show. Celebrating five years as Brooke’s School of Dance under the ownership of Brooke Burton, this year’s show also culminated in the first-ever alumni celebration dance featuring alumni dancers from Brooke’s School of Dance and Dorinda’s Dance Studio, going back to and including Dorinda Gustke who founded the dance studio (Merrill High School Class of 1984 graduate). More than 80 alumni dancers and teachers performed on stage and included graduates spanning 40 years of dance in Merrill. “What an amazing and fast year this has been!” Burton said. Now that the new studio is fully up and running, Burton said she will be offering summer dance lessons, and registration is also open for the 2024-2025 dance season. For more information, call the studio at 715.218.6467. She is also planning an open house in August.
More than a dozen Barbie lookalikes took to the stage to open the show. Tina L. Scott photo.Barbie Girl was the opening number at the annual Brooke’s School of Dance show this past weekend. Tina L. Scott photo.A lyrical performance captures the emotion of dance. Tina L. Scott photo.A hip hop routine included leaps and flips along with a wide variety of dance moves. Tina L. Scott photo.Little ones performed a number to the tune of Mickey Mouse’s Birthday Party. Tina L. Scott photo.The first ever alumni dance brought 85 former dancers and teachers onto the stage to dance together, representing forty years of dance in Merrill. Tina L. Scott photo.Younger and older dancers danced together in many of the numbers. In this performance, the older dancers incorporate a lift into their routine. Tina L. Scott photo.One dance performance, performed to the song, “It’s All Coming Back to me Now,” was a tribute to Chad Glaze, who died on Dec. 31, 2023, in a UTV accident and is the father of dancer, Katy Glaze. His presence was represented by the boots and cowboy hat placed at the front of the stage for the song. Tina L. Scott photo.Leaps, spins, and flips punctuated this number that incorporated the Seniors and younger students.A lively tap number kept these ladies on their heels and toes.Young ladies pose at the conclusion of their dance number, with drama, flair, pointed toes, and even the splits!These guys and gals performed a tap number in costumes with nostalgic 1920’s feel and appeal.Some of the older ballet students delivered a performance that was on pointe!In flapper style costumes, these tap dancers delighted the audience in a 2024 show that felt a little bit like a flashback to the 1920’s.
