Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
Dancers display their trophies from a competition earlier this year.
Dancers in their custom-made costumes.
Dancers sporting their Christmas-themed attire.
Planet Dance Studio will host its annual December recital, "'Sleigh Ride," on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Shafter High School auditorium.
There will be 65 dancers ranging in age from 4 to 17 performing 19 dance routines made up of tap, ballet, jazz and hip-hop genres.
Studio director Jacob Hernandez said, "Dancing is not only an art but also a sport, and these young athletes train hard."
It is the studio's 20th anniversary, and the recital will be a celebration in honor of that.
"We have touched the lives and taught dance to thousands of students," Hernandez said.
The studio is run by Hernandez and his mother, Corine Matera. Hernandez has danced for 30 years.
"I love my career choice and the opportunities it has given me. Our dancers keep me motivated year after year," he said.
Hernandez hopes that the local community and surrounding areas will come out and support the dancers.
"Being that we are based in Wasco, we service much of Kern County, including McFarland, Shafter, Bakersfield and Delano," Hernandez said. "We want to invite everyone to experience the longest-running dance studio that has been in our community for the last twenty years."
The dancers have practiced all year long with the December presentation, their season's final performance.
The dancers look forward to the recital.
"They absolutely love it because it is our largest event of the year, and they are excited about the costumes, choreography and getting on stage," Hernandez said.
He shared that teaching them a dance routine and then watching them execute it is very rewarding.
"It is such a joy to work with them. They are so happy to be here.We pride ourselves in bringing the best that we have to our students because we want them to have a fun time while improving their self-confidence and relationships with others."
He added," Every year, we put on an amazing presentation showcasing our talented students."
A large crowd is anticipated; they usually have anywhere from 500 to 700 people attend to see these girls shine.
"As the year comes to an end, we extend a warm invitation to join us for an evening of entertainment and celebration. It will be a night to remember."
Doors open at 5:15 p.m., with the show beginning at 6 p.m. Pre-sale tickets for "Sleigh Ride" are $25 and can be purchased at the Shafter High School auditorium from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door the day of the performance. For more information, call 661-240-5924.
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