Tonight is opening night of the 44th annual spring recital presented by Barrington’s own Bataille Academie of the Danse. Over 400 area dancers will perform in this year’s show which has an Olympic theme and is called Go for the Gold. The last time I attended a Bataille recital was when I was performing on stage as a 12-year-old dancer in the mid-80’s. I was one of Dee Dee Gallagher-Johnson’s students, around the time she was taking over the business from founder, Leona Bataille. Tonight, I’ll be there to watch one of Dee Dee’s newest dance students take the stage, our 4-year-old daughter, Grace, who is part of Go for the Gold’s opening act.
This weekend’s shows include a 100-dancer classical ballet piece along with a variety of Olympic-themed performances featuring Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop dance choreography. They will be closing the show with a medal ceremony for the graduating seniors.
Here’s how Bataille’s Director and long-time dance instructor, Dee Dee Gallagher-Johnson, describes this season’s show:
“A Dance Extravaganza that includes dancers, ages 2 and up.
Everything from classical ballet to Hip Hop, surrounded by gorgeous costumes, confetti cannons and elaborate backdrops.
A show not to be missed…A Gold Medal Performance!”
And they’ve been working hard all week with full dress rehearsals at Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin. It’s a beautiful theater and I guarantee you will be highly entertained by the music selection, bright and colorful costumes and the talented dancers of all ages and skill levels.
The youngest dancers will certainly have you smiling during the Children’s Show, which starts at 6 p.m. tonight, Friday, May 10th. There is also a Children’s Chow tomorrow, Saturday, May 11, at noon.
The older dancers perform in the Youth Shows, taking place tomorrow, Saturday, May 11th, at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 12th, at 11 a.m.
Tickets are available at the door for $15. You’ll find Hemmens Cultural Center at 45 Symphony Way in Elgin, IL. To learn more about Bataille Academie of the Danse, CLICK HERE to find their Facebook Page or visit their website at BatailleDance.com.
And now, without further ado, here is a sneak peek at one of this week’s dress rehearsals for some of Bataille’s youngest dancers. They have spent the past few months preparing for their debut performance. Good luck tonight, little ladies!
