- May 1, 2024
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North East Florida Dance Academy danced across the world Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, at the recital, “Let’s Go.”
The show was perfect practice for 12 dancers and three teachers who will be boarding the Royal Caribbean Monarch of the Seas June 13, for a special at-sea performance.
“I am very proud to say that we were offered this fabulous opportunity because our dancers demonstrated an extensive knowledge of dance technique combined with a wonderful stage presence,” Director Nicole Hodges wrote in the recital program.
The students, who use Flagler County Schools and Adult and Community Education facilities to practice, will perform while on board the ship and also take a class with the professional entertainers.
Dancer Brando Rodriguez, 17, who aspires to become a professional dancer after college, said he is excited to engage with the dancers on the ship and ask them questions about how to further his career.
“I’m excited for the entire experience — all aspects of it: to take a class with professional dancers and to actually perform on a professional stage, on a cruise, in front of people I’ve never seen before,” said Sylvia Lujo, 14, who has been dancing with the academy since she was 3.
Fellow dancer Leah Blizzard said she is excited to take the stage.
“Being in front of a whole new audience would be nice, because we come from a smaller town, and we’re usually in front of the same local crowd,” Blizzard said. “Branching out would be exciting.”
The following dancers will be performing: Marie Barletta, Leah Blizzard, Joey Karty, Jill Knazur, Amber Leishman, Autumn Leishman, Megan Lowe, Sylvia Lujo, Emily Mercer, Ashley Robshaw, Brandon Rodriguez, Christina Stephenson, teacher Colleen Blasetti, teacher Nicole Hodges, and teacher Reagan Wilson.
