Dancers from the Dothan School of Dance stand outside of Radio City Music Hall in New York City during their recent opportunity to perform onstage before the renowned Rockette’s “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.” DSD Founder Tracy Solomon is pictured in front, right.
Dothan School of Dance performs at Radio City Music Hall
by Michelle Mann, Dothan Eagle
Dothan School of Dance is the first studio in the country to dance on stage as part of the renowned Rockette’s “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” and at the first Dothan City Commission meeting in December, Wells, Dothan School of Dance Founder Tracy Solomon, instructors and students were recognized with a proclamation for “achieving this historic milestone and in appreciation to the dancers for representing Dothan with professionalism, joy and excitement.“This invitation is one of the most prestigious performance opportunities as the Rockettes are a true American icon and Radio City Music Hall in New York City is one of the most well-known stages in the world,” Dothan City Commissioner Gantt Pierce told those attending the meeting. The Christmas Spectacular performance is attended by more than one million people each holiday season.
“Being welcomed is not just a reflection of the dancers’ hard work, this invitation also speaks to the talent and spirit of the young people growing up right here in Dothan,” Pierce said.
Radio City Rockettes
Founded in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1925, the Rockettes are the longest-running precision dance company in America. To be part of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the dancers world-renowned for their signature dance technique that combines elements of jazz, tap and ballet, was especially meaningful for the Dothan team, said Wells.
Wells worked directly with Radio City’s production team to create an exciting on stage performance that took place right before the Rockettes’ show.
‘God has truly blessed us’
“God has truly blessed us,” Wells said.
“Our teachers, our founder all work together not only for dance training but life training and growing the future generation. Thank you to all the amazing teachers at DSD, thank you to the parents for your support and believing in and supporting our dreams.
“We are incredibly grateful for this acknowledgement and for the support of our community,” Wells told the commissioners. “Sharing this milestone with our dancers, families, staff, and hometown makes it even more meaningful. Thank you, Dothan, for celebrating this unforgettable moment with us. We are proud to represent our city and to continue inspiring through the art and love of dance.”
DSD Dancers
DSD Dancers performing in New York City were Emelyn Alley, Taylor Andre, Collins Arkle, Julia Batts, Katie Benefield, Hadley Brooks, Mary Alexis Crew, EmilyKayte Dailey, Emma Grace Dunn, Mary Chase Ellis, Elise Field, Anslee Freeman, Eva Gause, Micah Mae Godwin, Sophia Harris, Averie Grace Hedgpeth, Ava Hodge, Eliza Hunter, Greenley Ingle, Kinley Jackson, Malone King, Lola Laye, Lucy Liddon, Anna Beth Livingston, Maggie Lyons, Hadley Maddox, Zoë Mauldin, AddiBeth McGuff, Kennedy Milsapp, Mia Kathryn Morris, Ella Kate Morrison, Marla Kate Pattillo, Isla Pflugner, Emma Kate Robinson, Allie Reese Robison, Noa Shillabeer, Vivienne Shillabeer, McKenna Silavent, Harper Spivey, Avery Steensland, Emery Steensland, Ella Taylor, Isabella Tran, Piper Vann, Elle Wells, Mary Hugh Wheelless, Haddie Rae Wilkins, and Blayke Williamson.
For more information
Dothan School of Dance is located at 3010 Ross Clark Circle in Dothan. For more information call (334) 794-5926 or contact [email protected].
