Nutt students shine in May 10 ‘Born to Dance’ recital

The staff and students of Dolores L. Nutt School of Dance held their dance recital, “Born to Dance,” on May 10 at the Historic Rice Theater in Crowley. The audience enjoyed the music as they watched talented students perform tap, ballet and jazz.

The stage sparkled with drapes of black and spotlight sequins. Complimenting the state were silver iridescent letters spelling “tap,” “ballet” and “jazz,” large musical notes and beautiful tall plants.

Deborah Nutt Whiting, mistress of ceremony, welcomed the audience. She then introduced her mother, Dolores L. Nutt, owner and instructor of the dance school. Escorting Nutt was her grandson, Keith Whiting. The class assistant, Lauren Patton, was also introduced.

The awards ceremony began with Nutt presenting awards to very deserving students. The winner of the program award was Kyla Abshire.

The third-year silver medal was presented to Ava Bergeaux, Amanda Cormier, Megan Prejean, Anne Elise Swacker and Sophia Fontenot. Receiving the fifth-year trophy were Brooke Mullener, Ryleigh Oestriecher and Kiersten Trahan.

The sixth-year gold medal was presented to Kyla Abshire, Natalie Domingue, Zoe’ Guidry, Kaytlin Keller, Madison Lejeune, Megan Pellissier and Morgan Richard.

The eighth-year trophy was presented to Bailey Sittig, along with a bouquet of flowers from her parents, Anne and Jude Sittig. Also receiving the eighth-year trophy was Alysa Pousson and her parents surprised her with flowers.

Receiving the 10th-year award was Lainie Conner. Special friends, Eulalie Cormier, Kameryn Semmes, Gracie Richard and Jessica Cormier, presented her with flowers.

Receiving the 12th-year award was Michaela Jabusch. Flowers were given to her by her parents, Debbie and Bryan Jabusch. A 12th-year award also went to Lauren Patton. Her mother, Tanya Patton, and Chad Breaux presented her with flowers.

Robbie Simon was honored with the 14th-year award. Gwen Simon surprised him with gifts. 

Victoria Thibodeaux was presented the 16th-year award. Her mother, Darla Thibodeaux, presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Receiving the 20th-year award was Jennifer Meche. Jennifer’s husband, Donnie Meche, honored her with special flowers.

Shortly after, “Born to Dance” students were excited to begin their performance. 

Diana Mouton, Jennifer Meche, Robbie Simon, Rebecca Phillips, Megan Smith, Lelia Penn, Darlene Petry, Sandra Trahan and Gwen Simon performed a tap routine to “American Bandstand” and a jazz routine to “Shake Your Body Down to the Ground.” Joining them in a jazz routine that excited the audience, “It’s Raining Men,” was Donnie Meche, Kris Ludwig, Barry Trahan and also Robbie Simon. 

Performing a tap routine to “Daddy Wouldn’t Buy Me a Bow Wow” were Kadie Felts, Blaire Gaspard, Kacie Mistrot, Julia Trahan, Emma Louise Cradeur and Lillian Lawson. Joining them with special little puppies were Gary Felts, Alan Gaspard, Jeremy Bondick, Scotty Trahan, Jeremy Cradeur and Allen Lawson. The little dancers also performed a ballet routine to “Magic Tutu” and a jazz routine to “Wow-ee, Look at Me.”

A ballet routine to “A Spoonful of Sugar” was performed by Ryleigh Oestreicher, Ava Bergeaux, Jenna Hanks, Anne Elise Swacker, Madyson Simon, Shailee Trahan, Finleigh Cormier and Mylei Smith. Later they performed a tap routine, proudly waving flags to “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” With guitars in hand, these talented dancers also performed a jazz dance to “It’s Not if You Win or Lose.”

Holding telephones and moving to the beat were Morgan Richard, Zoe Guidry, Megan Pellissier, Brooke Mullener and Madison Lejeune performing a tap routine. These special dancers also performed a ballet dance to “Tomorrow.” They later performed an exciting jazz routine to “I Want.”

A fast tap routine was performed by Kyla Abshire, Emma Broussard, Kaytlin Keller, Hannah Abshire, Natalie Domingue and Kierstan Trahan to “Dance Again.” With beautiful coral costumes, these young ballerinas performed a ballet routine to “The Climb.” The audience cheered when they performed a jazz routine dressed in animal costumes to “Wild Ones.”

“Concrete Angel” brought chills to the audience as Ciara LaVergne and Kylie Broussard, dressed as angels, performed a ballet routine. They also performed a tap routine to “Roar” with their special friend, a white tiger. “Start the Party” was the song they chose to perform a jazz routine.

Lauren Patton, Victoria Thibodeaux and Michaela Jabusch performed a fast tap routine to “Mr. Saxobeat.” The audience shed a few tears as it watched the dancers perform a beautiful ballet to “Forever Young.” They ended their routine by showing their costumes when they were tiny dancers. “Evacuate the Dance Floor” was the tune they selected to perform a sassy jazz routine.

“Keep Holding On” was a lovely ballet dance performed by Alysa Pousson, Bailey Sittig, Sophia Fontenot, Brooke Signorelli, Amanda Cormier and Madisun Lacombe. With bright jazzy costumes they performed a jazz routine to “Breakthrough.” Scooters, yo-yo’s, red balls and a fast tap routine to “Children Keep on Singing” were enjoyed by the audience.

Alexis Primeaux, Alana Abshire, Megan Prejean, Taren Adams, Caitlynn Falcon, Erin Hetzler and Lainie Conner performed a lovely ballet to “Skyscraper.” Dressed in purple fringe costume and performing a tap routine to “Little Bitty Pretty One,” they excited the audience. Yet, when they performed a fast jazz routine to “Take a Hint,” even more applause and cheers could be heard.

For a perfect ending, Nutt and the cast of “Born to Dance” performed a jazz routine to “Let’s Get Loud.”

Jennifer Meche then presented Nutt with flowers and a special gift from the students.