Richland Academy Dance Ensemble, RADE, dance performance at Lexington High School

MANSFIELD – Richland Academy of the Arts dance department will present its 2023 spring dance performance on Saturday, March 18, at 7 p.m. at Lexington High School in the new Robert Whitney Performing Arts Facility. RADE (Richland Academy Dance Ensemble) is one of the academy’s pre-professional dance groups, where members undergo hours of weekly training to enhance their skills, improve technique and pursue their passion for dance.

In this program, attendees will enjoy a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary, including Broadway’s “Step in Time” from Mary Poppins and “Come on Everybody” from All Shook Up. It will also feature classical ballet excerpts from La Bayadere, Esmeralda, and the Dying Swan variation accompanied by violinist Joseph Litao. Original choreography by Marden Ramos, Erin Wolford and Sarah Horrigan-Ramos showcases Academy dancers' full range of ability and talent.

This year the academy is celebrating four high school seniors: Carmella Desterhaft, Lucas HS; Kaylyn Kent, Lucas HS; Justice Gardner, Madison HS; Delaney O’Brien, Ashland HS. Each of our seniors has dance at the Richland Academy for over 10 years. Their final RADE show performance is the culmination of their dedication, hard work and training. They are excited to dance their senior solo’s and look forward to performing for their friends, family and community.

Many of the academy’s dance company alumni have gone on to study dance in college, perform in various dance companies and pursue a career in teaching dance. The academy believes its dance programs not only teach students proper technique but also mental and physical discipline, time management, problem solving and performance skills.

Tickets for this in-person performance will be available Friday, Feb. 24, at noon. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, students and veterans. The program will run for approximately two hours. 

For more information on things happening at Richland Academy, call 419-522-8224 or visit www.RichlandAcademy.com.