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Mallory Thompson

Members of Dance Hues Studio’s STAMPP [Shine Through Adversity Move Past Prejudice] Performance and Competition Company performed choreography by Paris Spotted Tail and Azia Gambrell to “Cry Your Heart Out” by Adele. The four performers at Ovation are in the company’s pre-professional track which consists of ten or more hours of training per week as well as other learning and advancement opportunities.

Ovation!, an annual district-wide talent show including student dancers, musicians and more took place on Jan. 22. at the Lied Center. Students from local high school and middle schools took the stage, showcasing their talents.

Acts from the night included appearances from Lawrence Ballet Theatre, Southwest Middle School Junior Thespians and numerous single acts.

Additionally, the Unity Step Team took the stage. The team started their preparation in August, practicing their routine at least once a week leading up to the performance.

Coach Audrey Trowbridge believes the event was a great opportunity to get on stage in front of the community to showcase the team’s talent and hardwork.

“The team has grown closer and become more reliant upon one another, sharing ideas and building off of one another,” Trowbridge said. “It has been fun to watch the team grow in talent and camaraderie.”

Solo performer, junior Mary Ramirez sang “No One Else” from the musical “Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812”.

Her passion for singing stemmed from her time singing at church while attending catholic school, and further joining choir after. She viewed Ovation! as an opportunity to show off her specialized skills.

“It’s nice to just have a place where I can do strictly what I like to do and this song that I really like,” Ramirez said. “It’s good for me.”

Along with benefiting performers, ticket proceeds from the show went toward the Lawrence Schools Foundation, which aims to provide teaching and learning experiences to students and educators in town as they continue to learn and grow.