RILEY’S 69TH “TOMORROW STARS”
On the weekend of June 1-3, 2007 the Riley School of Dance presented their annual dance recital at Fermi High School. Once again it was a show to be remembered.
The show begins with a memorial tribute to founder Marion Walsh Riley. It was her vision that has carried the Riley Dance School to the premier dance school that it is today.
This has become a family passion with K.T. Riley DaSilva director and lead teacher. Along with K.T you will find Alicia Riley actively involved, heading up the “Life of Riley Open.” This is a golf outing named after Marion Walsh Riley and for the purpose of granting scholarships for worthy students. You will also see Brenna DaSilva sharing her talents as a teacher, and Cassie DaSilva, although living in California, showed up to support the dancers at Rileys.
The show has a professional tone to it. Having been to Broadway a number of times I have to say that I sit at this recital with the anticipation of what is coming next.
The show began with a tribute to New Orleans. Last year the Riley Dance School raised thousands of dollars to send supplies to the St. Anthony’s School devastated by hurricane Katrina. This year K.T Riley DaSilva and Staff will head to that area to hold Dance Training Camps to bring joy to the students at St. Anthony.
This past April the Riley Dancers were invited to travel to Florida to perform at Disney World, Sea World and, Universal Studio Theme Park. This has become a Tri-Annual event and, gives the Riley Dance Teams the incredible opportunity to show their talents to the world. They did an excellent job as representatives of Enfield, and North Central Connecticut.
So why is the Riley School of Dance so successful? Well, because it offers more then just dance lessons. It offers student’s life’s lessons, along with training them to excel in a multiple of dance styles.
The schools involvement in caring for the displaced people of New Orleans is a great example of how the young people of today are taught the importance of giving back. The efforts last year for St. Anthony’s School teach that when you are blessed in life, you have a responsibility to bless others.
The St. Anthony School was sent supplies to assist them to get back to educating their students. The partnership between the dance school and the school in New Orleans inspired many of us who gave to this cause. It showed the students in Enfield that they can make a difference in the world around them.
The trip to Florida also has given our kids an opportunity to not only dance, but also learn what being an ambassador for good is all about. As the students travel to perform, they are encouraged to remember that they represent our fine town.
There are many excellent programs for your kids to get involved in Enfield. Kids can enjoy Little League baseball, summer camps through the ERFC, and all the wonderful programs at the Recreation Center in Thompsonville.
However, come the Fall season I would recommend the Riley School of Dance for those who love to dance. Your children will learn multiple areas of dance and in June 2008 you will sit in the audience with family and friends watching your child excel. For more information about the Riley School of Dance check out their web site at: www.rileysschoolofdance.com or call 860-763-0279.
As Marion Walsh Riley looks down from heaven, I know that she has a smile on her face as she watches her dream continue.
Greg Stokes
On the weekend of June 1-3, 2007 the Riley School of Dance presented their annual dance recital at Fermi High School. Once again it was a show to be remembered.
The show begins with a memorial tribute to founder Marion Walsh Riley. It was her vision that has carried the Riley Dance School to the premier dance school that it is today.
This has become a family passion with K.T. Riley DaSilva director and lead teacher. Along with K.T you will find Alicia Riley actively involved, heading up the “Life of Riley Open.” This is a golf outing named after Marion Walsh Riley and for the purpose of granting scholarships for worthy students. You will also see Brenna DaSilva sharing her talents as a teacher, and Cassie DaSilva, although living in California, showed up to support the dancers at Rileys.
The show has a professional tone to it. Having been to Broadway a number of times I have to say that I sit at this recital with the anticipation of what is coming next.
The show began with a tribute to New Orleans. Last year the Riley Dance School raised thousands of dollars to send supplies to the St. Anthony’s School devastated by hurricane Katrina. This year K.T Riley DaSilva and Staff will head to that area to hold Dance Training Camps to bring joy to the students at St. Anthony.
This past April the Riley Dancers were invited to travel to Florida to perform at Disney World, Sea World and, Universal Studio Theme Park. This has become a Tri-Annual event and, gives the Riley Dance Teams the incredible opportunity to show their talents to the world. They did an excellent job as representatives of Enfield, and North Central Connecticut.
So why is the Riley School of Dance so successful? Well, because it offers more then just dance lessons. It offers student’s life’s lessons, along with training them to excel in a multiple of dance styles.
The schools involvement in caring for the displaced people of New Orleans is a great example of how the young people of today are taught the importance of giving back. The efforts last year for St. Anthony’s School teach that when you are blessed in life, you have a responsibility to bless others.
The St. Anthony School was sent supplies to assist them to get back to educating their students. The partnership between the dance school and the school in New Orleans inspired many of us who gave to this cause. It showed the students in Enfield that they can make a difference in the world around them.
The trip to Florida also has given our kids an opportunity to not only dance, but also learn what being an ambassador for good is all about. As the students travel to perform, they are encouraged to remember that they represent our fine town.
There are many excellent programs for your kids to get involved in Enfield. Kids can enjoy Little League baseball, summer camps through the ERFC, and all the wonderful programs at the Recreation Center in Thompsonville.
However, come the Fall season I would recommend the Riley School of Dance for those who love to dance. Your children will learn multiple areas of dance and in June 2008 you will sit in the audience with family and friends watching your child excel. For more information about the Riley School of Dance check out their web site at: www.rileysschoolofdance.com or call 860-763-0279.
As Marion Walsh Riley looks down from heaven, I know that she has a smile on her face as she watches her dream continue.
Greg Stokes
posted by Greg Stokes at
Friday, June 08, 2007
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