ASHLAND — Members of the Ashland Regional Ballet have been preparing for this weekend’s production of “The Little Mermaid” at the 39th annual Spring Dance Concert.
Dancers have been rehearsing since March at Opus II Dance Studio, which operates the Ashland Regional Ballet. Ranging from the ages of 5 to 18, the performers have often rehearsed after school for at least five days a week. The show will also feature a few parents who have been taking classes at the studio.
Sydney Box, dance instructor at the Ashland Regional Ballet, commended the efforts and dedication of the performers.
“They have just been working so hard,” Box said. “They have all improved so much over this whole year.
“I’ve been able to see that through this show; it’s going to showcase them all really well.”
The show features several roles performed by the various age groups: the youngest dancers will be baby mermaids; the intermediate dancers will be sea urchins; and the company, which features well-practiced performers, will play a variety of roles including mermaids and townspeople.
Box, who performed in “The Little Mermaid” when she was in high school, stated that facial expressions, body language and intentional choreography are crucial to telling a story that does not emphasize vocalization or narration.
Hellie Schussler, founder and executive director of Opus II Dance Studio, composed the choreography for this show. The show will also utilize a multitude of props and set pieces.
The production takes place Friday, May 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 22 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 23 at 2 p.m. at Archer Auditorium in Ashland High School.
Tickets are available on Ashland Regional Ballet’s Eventbrite page and range from $16 to $18.
“I’m really proud of them,” Box said. “They are all really excited for it, so I’m excited too.
“I think it will be a good show.”
