Broadway stars

Summer activities are in full swing for area students, but the activities of a late May weekend are no doubt still running through the minds of members of Artistic Dance Unlimited.

It was their night on Broadway.

Directors Alette Chase and Ursula Margolis, along with their talented teachers, fashioned a series of performances for their students, all 300 of them, that explored many different genres of dance and brought to life some of Broadway’s most beloved and most famous music. From "Lullaby of Broadway" to "Hard Knocks Life" to "Sweet Home Alabama," the music filled the auditorium at South Doyle High School as dancers as young as 3 years old and as seasoned as 18 year olds performed for a packed house. Beautiful costumes set the stage while dancers toe-tapped, hip-hopped and glided through the more than 40 numbers at each of three performances. Senior dancers performed solos, including one that was a sweet surprise for the parents of Emily Headrick. Eddie and Sharon Headrick didn’t know their daughter was going to dance a solo number, which she performed to the music "I Will Love You."

The performances were also a time to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and awards and to honor seniors and teachers. ADU offers companies for Mini, Junior, Intermediate and Seniors. Auditions for all except the Mini company are in August. For audition information or information concerning fall classes, contact Alette or Ursula at 865-982-1993.

Summer vacation didn’t start for all the dancers after the recital. ADU dancers will compete this week in the Dance Educators of America National workshops and competitions in Knoxville June 25-30.

This is the seventh year for ADU, which has a stated goal of providing "the best quality dance instruction in a structured
and fun environment." Students represent Blount, Knox and Sevier counties.