Miles, memories, and moves: Brooke’s dancers take the “Road Less Traveled”

Brooke’s School of Dance held its annual dance production this past weekend, May 2 and 3, 2026, in the Merrill High School auditorium. Titled the “Road Less Traveled,” local dancers performed in 42 different numbers, all with a theme based on road trips, cars, racing, favorite destinations, and a tie-in to some form of travel. Featuring performances in jazz, hip hop, ballet, pointe, tap, and lyrical dance styles — some with special lifts and displays of grace and flexibility like jumps and splits — dancers showcased their athleticism and years of dedication to the sport. Several numbers also featured acrodance, which combines gymnastic moves like cartwheels, handstands, walkovers, bridges, backflips, and rolls with elements of ballet, jazz, and hip hop dance. Some of the youngest dancers tapped their way into the hearts of the audience, and even the little ones struck by moments of stage fright were a delightful addition to the show.
This year’s production was dedicated in loving memory of owner Brooke Burton’s grandparents, Tony and Judy Powers, who passed away this past December. “Thank you for teaching me the joys of a good old-fashioned road trip and for all the miles and memories,” she wrote in her dedication. “I wish I could look out in the audience and see your faces today. I love you forever, and I will miss you the rest of my life.”
Another special number, In My Life, performed by lyrical dancers was created by lead choreographer/teacher Adam Lee and dedicated in memory of his beloved Grandma, “Nin.”
Graduating high school Seniors performing in the production were introduced and honored during the final dance of the show: Kaylynn Allen, Emma Anderson, Liberty Berndt, Adalyn Blake, Hannah Bostrom, Kaela Clerveaux, Chloe Faber, Avery Frisch, Liberty Fuchs, Ryleigh Golisch, Sylvia Hanson, Hannah Klinger, Alexis Kropp, Madison Prentice, Madison Robbins, Ava Scantlin, Norah Schmidt, Robin Schmidt, Mylee Sykes, and Emily Winter.

Competitions earn dancers honors

In addition to performing for the local community, many of the dancers also performed some of these same routines in competitions earlier this year.
Brooke’s School of Dance teams competed at the Starz Appleton Competition on March 21 and 22, 2026, earning 10 platinums and 20 high golds. Dancers performing Hot Wheels were awarded Judge’s Choice “Tiny Superstars” and also named 1st Place Overall Winner. Dancers performing Cars Outside took 2nd Place Overall Winner, and dancers performing In My Life and Another Day of Sun were both named 3rd Place Overall Winners.
Dancers also competed at the Celebration Duluth Competition on April 18 and 19, earning 4 elite platinums, 14 platinums, and 6 high golds. They were the Category Winner - Hip Hop for their Old Town Road performance, and were awarded Judge’s Choice for In My Life. Cars Outside and Jenny From the Block performances each received the Performance Award, while Police Lights and NYNY were each honored with the Showstopper Award. Police Lights and Truckers performances were each named 1st Place Overall Winners, with Sports Car named as 2nd Place Overall Winner. Dancers at Brooke’s School of Dance were also recognized with the Life of the Party Sportsmanship Award at this competition.

Get ready to dance!
Registration is already open for dancers to join the 2026-2027 dance term at Brooke’s, and classes will begin Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. The studio will host an Open House on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 12-7 p.m.

For the summer, registration is also open for adult dance lessons, mini camps, summer intensive workshops, and a new summer convention.
Save the date for next year’s annual dance production which will be May 1 and 2, 2027.
The studio is located at 501 W. Main St. in Merrill. For more information, go to brookesschoolofdance.com or call the studio at 715.536.4411.