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Arlee dancers showcase talent in annual recital

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ARLEE — Crimped hair, Egyptian clothing and a single white glove illustrated a year’s worth of dedication and work on stage during Missoula’s Downtown Dance Collective’s recital in Arlee.

The theme of the night was “Back to the 80s,” and the event is the only recital of the year that showcases to parents, friends and family the dancing talents of Arlee’s youth ages 2-16.

“This is a culmination of all their hard work,” said DDC founder and executive director Heather Torma.

In 2007, Torma formed the DDC in Missoula. At first, it started out as a place that offered dance classes for adults, but soon incorporated classes for people of all ages and levels. In addition to the Missoula area, the DDC offers classes in Arlee that have garnered a large interest. Torma said 27 students enrolled in classes in Arlee are learning about ballet, hip hop and jazz from instructors Kelsey Strietmatter and Lauren Hancock.

“There are a lot of kids with an interest in something other, or in addition to, sports,” Torma said. “Dance is a great way to build confidence for every body and ability. It has a strong sense of community … and everyone can feel good about it.”

Kaia Larson, 8, said she has been dancing since she was in kindergarten. Donning an Egyptian headpiece and wearing a white gown, Larson said she was excited to show what she has learned to her parents.

“My favorite part of dance is that you get to practice and practice,” Larson said. “You get to have fun.”

Addyson Kendall, Leah Mesteth, Kailee Scott and Ruby Wieler performed a dance to the song “Wake Me Up” that they learned in the creative movement class for ages 3 to 5. Elaina Baldwin, Emily Fiddler, Sophia Forgey, Karolyna Old Person and Caydance Wilson of the ballet class for 8 to 9-year-olds danced to “True Colors,” and Noelle West and Abby Yocum showed their jazz and hip hop inspired performance to “Boom Boom Pow.” Other routines included a jazz and hip hop dance to “Beat It” performed by Baldwin, Damyen Coates, Katiana Coates, Josephine Fyant Kailee Scott and Lark Thomas. “Walk Like An Egyptian” premiered Rylee Belcourt, Danica Fyant, Kaia Larson, Old Person, Kambrie Rubel, Shelby Smith, Bella Starratt, Wilson and Maddi Yocum. Piper Clinkenbeard, Eden Morin, Haley Wilson and Natalie Yocum staged “Sweet Dreams.” Eden Morin, Madiah Morin, Noelle West and Abby Yocum performed “Tricky.”

The recital finished with a dance choreographed by Janna Sumner to “We Got the Beat” featuring all the DDC Arlee students.

“She’s a dance-a-holic,” parent Chris Baldwin said of her daughter Elaina Baldwin’s passion for dance.

Baldwin added that through dance, Elaina has grown and gained confidence at a young age.

“This is just a benefit that the kids wouldn’t have otherwise,” Baldwin said.

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