MILLER MARLEYSCHOOL OF DANCE & VOICE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2012

A Recital for Little StarsSaturday June 2nd 2012 Kansas City Music Hall - 4pm & 7pm

These little stars in Ms. Jill’s Wednesday Preschool One class are busy preparing for theirdebut in Miller Marley’s Recital for Little Stars. (Pictured L to R) Natalie Garcia,Isabella Williams, Hailey Guichet, Gracen Thibault, Nicole Nana, Annika Adiga, Lily Conrad, Sydney Burrier, Grace Rasmussen and Jami Hall.

MILLER MARLEY IS TURNING 50!This fall Miller Marley will celebrate 50years of bringing dance to the children ofKansas City. The celebration will continue into August of 2013. Highlights of the festivities will include a banquet honoring Shirley Marley to be held on Sunday, May 11 and a Dance Showcase to end all Dance Showcases which will take place on MemorialDay weekend. Lots of events are in store that will be announced in house and on Facebook.

In the early 1960’s when 23 year-old ShirleyMarley inherited a dancing school, little didshe know that in the years to come, theschool that would bear her name would beknown as one of the premier learningcenters for the performing arts in the

country. It never entered her mind that she was a rising star who was carving out a solid gold reputation. Shirley had no delusions of grandeur. She just wanted to teach dancing.

And now, 50 years later, Shirley Marley, a Kansas City icon whose name is synonymous with “tap” has touched the lives of thousands of students. Whether they’re performing on Broadway or performing brain surgery, many of Shirley’s former students credit her as the person who most significantly contributed totheir success.

In 1963 Miller Marley coined the phrase,“Open the door to a happier and healthiertomorrow.” After 50 years one might think

that the door would be worn off its hinges.With 750 students, seventeen instructors, six dance studios, two vocal rooms and over 100 classes offered each week - Miller Marley is still alive and kicking.

To all those who have supported us in our50-year journey: Thank you for believing in us.And, as the old saying goes, “We couldn’t have done it without you.!”

IMPORTANT DATES

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

Spring Quarter Classes BeginTuition is Due.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

Dance The Mouse House

Disney World Sneak Peak Preview

Blue Valley High School

3:00 & 7:00pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 -SATURDAY, MARCH 17

SPRING BREAK - NO CLASSESMarked Summer Schedules

will be distributed after Spring Break

SATURDAY & SUNDAYAPRIL 14 & 15

Miller Marley Youth BalletSpring Concert

Act IDance of the Hours

and Two Original BalletsAct II

Peter Pan

Lewis and Shirley White TheatreJewish Community Center

2:00 & 7:00 pm each dayTickets $12

Photo Courtesy of Heather Nana

Photo Courtesy of JUMP

Miller Marley student, Nathan Rommel

We’re Flying

When Brian McGinness first proposed the idea of staging Peter Pan for the MMYB, he made up his mind that the production would not be complete without flying. Obviously, it was going to take a lot more than “happy thoughts” to get the show off the ground. Thanks to generous donations, the fund raising efforts of the Miller Marley Youth Ballet and Mrs. Sheryl McAvoy,the chance to fly became a reality.

The company, Flying by Foy, known in the entertainment industry as the go-to expert for Peter Pan, will provide the flight equipment. Since the early 1950’s, Foy has traveled the world providing theatrical flying effects for thousands of stage productions, television and movies. In 1954 when Peter Pan (with Mary Martin) premiered on Broadway, Foy created an innovative and highly sophisticated flying system for the show that established the company as a leader in the stage flying industry. Foy was also at the helm in the Peter Pan Broadway revivals with Sandy Duncan (1979) and Cathy Rigby (1990).

Harold Christensen III, the flight director for the MMYB production, has flown so many Peter Panballets that he characterizes himself as “the ballet guy” of the Foy crew. After receiving an overview of the choreography, Christensen teaches the dancers how to execute the moves in the air. Normally, it takes a week of intensive instruction to familiarize each flier with the intricacies of flying, but we are doing this in one day.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

For Brian McGinness and several of the cast members, the return to Neverland will be a walk down memory lane.

In July of 1969, at the age of 12, Brian made hisprofessional acting debut in Starlight Theatre’sproduction of Peter Pan in which he played thepart of Tootles, one of the Lost Boys.

Brian reminisced that on the night of July 20th his performance was “kind of” eclipsed by Neill Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin who (at the same time) were making history as the first Americans to walk on the moon.

He choreographed Peter Pan at Theatre in the Park in 1994 and directed the show when it was staged at the park again in 2006.

MMYB dancers Grayson McGuire, Nathan Rommel, Nelson Costello and Hannah Odgers performed as The Lost Boys in the TTIP 2006 production along with Dakota Hoar who played Michael Darling.

Despite their singing “I Won’t Grow Up,” in real life they did grow up and have now graduated to more sophisticated roles in this year’s ballet. Nathan Rommel will be playing Captain Hookand Dakota Hoar will be Mr. Darling, the fatherof Wendy, Michael and John. For as long as shecan remember, Hannah Odgers has idolized Tinkerbell and dreamed of someday playing the part of the tiny sprite. And, when the cast (forPeter Pan) was announced, Hannah’s dream came true.

Ryan Dervin

Ryan Dervin, a 15 year-old sophmore at BishopMiege High School, will dance the role of PeterPan. Ryan has been a member of the ballet company for three years and recently appeared in Clara’s Dream as the Soldier Doll, the Snow King, the Cavalier and Spanish. He is also on the Competition Team and recently was the winner of a tap scholarship at the JUMP convention held in KC in January.

Ryan’s charm and flexibility on the dance floor made him an ideal candidate for the boy who refused to grow up. Ryan stated, “I am very honored and excited to be cast as Peter Pan.I love the fact that the character is such an adventurous free spirit. I cannot wait to fly.It’s going to be such a fun experience.”

The Story

The MMYB adaptation of Peter Pan will remain true to the original story and will include all the familiar characters with the addiition of an animal ensemble and two mermainds. The absence of dialogue (in a ballet) poses a challenge to the choreographer. Laura Branson, MMYB Artistic Director and choreographer, addressed this. “A ballet is like a silent movie. This requires efficient use of pantomime and the musical score to convey mood and emotion. Developing a cohesive balance between body language and dance creates a finished product that is at the same time artistic and self-explanatory.”

Sets and Costumes

Miller Marley alumnus, Constance Ramos, will be the set designer for the production. Connie was an original cast member of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and starred in the HGTV series Color Corrections. She is an actress/singer/dancer and an award-winning scenic designer.

Elaine Biggs, MMYB Costume Designer, literally has her work cut out for her.Each costume (worn by the cast members who fly) must be adaptedto be worn over a bulky leatherflying harness and this will involve cutting slits and creating seams instrategic places. When the rest of us would be pulling our hair out, Elaine cheerfully tackles each challenge and recently laughed,“This is the first time I’ve ever designed a Mermaid costume.”

If you believe in fairies, join us inNeverland for one of most magicaland enchanting stories ever told.

B i i i d h h i h f J l 20 h Th St

Ashley Coffinas Tiger Lily

Nathan Rommelas Captain Hook Hannah Odgers

as Tinkerbell Ryan Dervinas Peter Pan

Megan McConnellas Wendy

J.D. DeNeffas John Michelle Maddock

as Michael

We’re Flying HighMiller Marley Youth Ballet to Present Peter Pan

This spring the Miller Marley Youth Ballet will present Peter Pan, its most ambitious production to date. The costumes, scenic design and staging will require a lot of elbow grease but Miller Marley is definitely up for the challenge.

And speaking of “up”..... Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and the Darling children are all going to fly!

Saturday & Sunday - April 14 & 15 - 2pm & 7pm - Lewis and Shirley White Theatre - JCC Campus

Photos Courtesy of Sheryl McAvoy

Miller Marley Students Perform in Disney’s Aladdin at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Thanks to a partnership between Starlight Theatre and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansascitians will be treated to a brand new experience in live theatre especially designed for young audiences.

To kick off its inaugural season Starlight Children’s Theatre presented Disney’s Aladdin Feb. 1-5 and Narnia the Musical will follow April 4-8. Productions have been cast with professional actors in featured roles complemented by a large ensemble of local children and teens.

Miller Marley students who appeared in Disney’s Aladdinare shown in the photo at left. Students who have been cast in Narnia will include Grayson Yockey (Peter), (Teen Ensemble) Mitch McCroskey, Hayley Nelson and Nick Pelaccio. (Children’s Ensemble) Genevieve Austin, Brendan Hulla and Grant Karpin

Commenting on how it felt to perform onstage atKansas City’s newest and most luxurious entertainment venue, 9 year-old Katie Hulla had this to say: “It was a big honor to get to perform in Aladdin. I had seen the movie as a little girl and always loved it. It was amazing for me to be a part of making the story come alive. It was a big honor to perform on the Kauffman stage. I loved looking up into the balconies and seeing all those smiling faces. It was a great experience that I will never forget.”

Miller Marley students in the cast of Disney’s Aladdin, produced by Starlight Children’s Theatre(pictured L to R from top)Teen Ensemble: Justin Armer and Alec Armer Children’s Ensemble: Brendan Hulla, Caitlin Gardner, Holly Jackson, Katie Hulla and Genevieve Austin. Not pictured: Grant Karpin

Photo courtesy of Starlight Theatre

Miller Marley Adds Two New Performance CompaniesThis summer Miller Marley will introduce two new performance companies for students in the younger age bracket:

The Miller Marley Junior Competition Team and The Miller Marley Youth Ballet Company 2. These groups will provide a professional training ground for serious students with exceptional technique.

Lisa Dillinger

Tara Wells and Erin Robertson will act as Co-Directors of the Miller Marley Junior Competition Team.

Both young women are Miller Marley instructors and have extensive training and experience as coaches and choreographers for competitive dance teams on the local and national level.

Tara is the Head Coach of the KU Rock ChalkDancers and the former Assistant Coach of the Olathe East High School Dance Team. Erin, a Miller Miller Marley alumnus, is a professional dancer and a former Chiefs Cheerleader.

Invitations to the Jr. Competition Team will go outthis spring. To be considered students must bebetween 9 to 12 years old by Jan. 1, 2013 and are required to study tap, jazz and ballet exclusively at Miller Marley. No specific level is required.

The Team will attend four competitionsa year (associated with workshops) and will appear in the Miller Marley Holiday show and community productions. Tara WellsErin Robertson

Lisa Dilillilinger

Lisa Dillinger will be the Artistic Director of the Miller Marley Youth Ballet Company 2.Currently she is a ballet instructor and theBallet Mistress for the MMYB. Lisa’s great versatility as an artistic director, educator and choreographer make her uniquely qualified towork with a wide range of ages and abilities.A complete list of Lisa’s credentials can be found on the studio website.

Invitations to the MMYB 2 have gone out and we anticipate a total of 25-30 members.To be considered students must be on point (or entering point this summer) and in level 6 & up.In addition to community performances, the company will perform in the Miller Marley Holiday show and Act 1 of the spring concert.

Summer Schedule MMYB 2 - Fridays

Company Class9:30 to 11:00am

Rehearsal11:00am to 1:00pm

Schedule Jr. Competition Team

Summer

RehearsalMon. - Tues. - Thurs.

10am to Noon

FallRehearsal

Sunday 5 to 7pm

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Photo courtesy of Starlight Theatre

During the weekend of January 6th the Overland Park Sheraton Hotel was really jumping.That’s what happens when competition dance teams from throughout the Midwest, including Miller Marley’s, gather to spend the weekend dancing their hearts out at the JUMP conventionand competition sponsored by Break the Floor Productions in NYC.

From 8am to 4pm each day attendees were treated to nonstop workshops in all areas of dance taught by what critics have called the “youngest and most innovative faculty in the country.” Instructors included Nick Lazzarini, first season winner of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance?” and SYTYCD judges and internationally acclaimed choreographers Mandy Moore and Mia Michaels. Miller Marley’s team agreed that (for them) the high point of the convention was getting to meet guest instructor, Melanie Moore, the current reigning champion of “So You Think You Can Dance?”

During the dance competition Miller Marley held its own against some fierce competitors and came home with six first place awards and the coveted Well Rounded Studio award and Best in Studio award for the piece “Open Your Eyes,” choreographed by Miller Marley alumnus, Roy Lightner.

This competition marked Grayson McGuire’s last performance with the team. The multi-talented young man is now living in Los Angeles pursuing his dance career. During his stint on Miller Marley’s competition team, Grayson emerged as a gifted choreographer and went on to create numerous award-winning pieces for the team.

The following students were awarded a $250 VIP Runner Up scholarship: Kate Bowling, JD DeNeff, Hannah Odgers, Larkin Reilly, Nathan Rommel and Macie Rouse.

The following students were awarded a $250 Class Scholarship for excellence in a particularstyle of dance: (Tap) Ryan Dervin, Kate Rumsey and Krista Spindler (Jazz/Contemporary) Madison Epp (Ballet) Genevieve Austin, Ashley Coffin, Catherine Frerker, Megan McConnell, Lindsey Mehlin and Ally Smith

Upcoming competitions: Dancers Inc. (Feb. 17-19), Tremaine (Feb. 25-26 - Held in St. Louis), NUVO (April 20-22) and Stage One (April 27-29).

Congratulations to Teen/Senior Competition Team Director, Beth Johnston, for a job well done!

Grayson McGuire was awarded first place for his piece,“Heart Cry.” In addition he received the Senior Male JUMP VIP award for outstanding achievement and a $400 scholarship to a future JUMP event.

Nathan Rommel won a high gold medal for his solo,“Day and Night.” He and partner, Brittany Rouse, received first place honors for their duo, “Hold MyHeart.”

The Miller Marley Competition Team girls rocked the house at the JUMP competition and won first placein the HIp Hop category for “Drop Dead Beautiful,” choreographed by Grayson McGuire.

Photos Courtesy of JUMP

New Leotards for Ballet ClassesMiller Marley is announcing a change in its required leotard color and leotard style for its ballet classes beginning this summer (2012). The color change affects those students in Ballet 3 and above. Students who are in Ballet 1 and Ballet 2 will be asked to purchase the required leotard style in black. Discount Dance Supply offers the leotard style and color in both child and adult sizes.

To order your student’s leotard, go to the Miller Marley Home Page at www.millermarley.com and click on the “Miller Marley Apparel link. There you can go directly to the “Discount Dance” link www.discountdance.com Once there follow these directions:1) Click on “Dance Teacher Program” 2) Go to “Are You a Student,” enter ID Number TP50425 3) click on “teacher dress codes & events” (in green type)4) in “Currently Showing” drop down box choose either “Ballet Class Levels Colors” or “MMYB 2 Company Leotard and Skirt” 5) Make your order Leotard Style: Natalie Tank / Style # for child sizes: N5501C / Style # for adult sizes: N5501 / Use Miller Marley Studio Code: TP50425 / (get 10% off 1st order)

The designated colors are as follows: Ballet 1 & 2 & Adult Ballet (Black), Ballet 3 (Turquoise), Ballet 4 (Royal), Ballet 5 (Eggplant), Ballet 6 (Teal), Ballet 7 (Mulberry) &Ballet 8 (Garnet). For further information, please call the studio office.

Miller Marley Competition Team

jumpin’ for joy

Grayson McGuire“Heart Cry“

Choreographed by Grayson McGuire

Nathan Rommel“Day & Night”

Choreographed by April Hamner & Nathan Rommel