Dave Gibson, Nederland. Saturday, May 22, 2021, the Nederland Mountain Movers dance team performed their first recital of the year at Chipeta Park in Nederland. Going back 12 years, they began as an after-school dance program consisting of six students. Numbering 25 today, it has grown to include girls from ages 3 to 13 performing two recitals a year and annual appearances at the Holiday Mountain Market and Boulder Creek Festival. 

Lending her considerable talent and experience to the troupe, dancer, teacher, and choreographer Angela Delsanter relates that “This has been a special and unique program for our community that I treasure deeply. I feel so much gratitude to be able to do this every year.”

Focusing on dance fundamentals of tap, jazz, ballet, and creative movement, the girls had been practicing once a week since October in preparation for the “Dance to Disney” presentation. Proud parents, family, and friends laid out blankets on the grass for a comfortable view of the hour-long show.

Numbers from The Little Mermaid, Aladin, The Lion King, and Pirates of the Caribbean were among the packed program of 15 songs. From the movie Mary Poppins, Chim Chim Cher-ee by Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews brought back memories of childhood. Costumed in tutus with wands in hand, the preschoolers’ interpretation of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo was adorable and made one believe that just like Cinderella, their dreams can come true. Other routines involving props were executed with grace and finesse.

As is customary, the young ladies were presented with bouquets of flowers in appreciation of their hard work, dedication, and fine performance. 

(Originally published in the May 27, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear. We always have a lot more photos in the print edition!)