JandJ’s Rapunzel and Mulan performance delights packed house

The Lassen College Sports Complex was a flurry of activity June 14 and June 15 as the culmination of hundreds of hours of preparation took on a life of its own during a display of talent as 170 J & J Performing Arts dancers took to the stage for the long awaited Rapunzel and Mulan recital.

Owner and instructor, Jessica Newton-Wade compiled the show and is involved at every stage of constructing such an exhibition of dance display from choreography to costuming. Planning and rehearsals began in December after their Christmas Extraordinaire went live.

Rapunzel and Mulan sold more than 900 tickets during its two-evening showing and featured performances from tiny tots to Mommy and Me members and every age in between. Plus, an all-male hip-hop number.

There was truly something for everyone as the production also showcased: Jazz, ballet, tumbling and clogging.

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Ballet 1 consists of students 5to9 year olds. Eight-year-old Jonah Gearhart dazzled the audience by executing a seemingly effortless lift of his young dance partner, 7-year-old Joan Joyner.

Veterans Megan MacKay (Rapunzel) and Hailey Moore (Mulan) have been dancing with J and J since 2007. These elegant and expressive young women truly embodied their characters and were delightful to watch.

Rhonda Foreman observed, “ The two leads Megan and Hailey did a phenomenal job as Rapunzel and Mulan. All of the dancers involved worked extremely hard and were amazing as well. It was a fun show to be a part of and everybody’s hard work paid off.”

MacKay and Moore are both Susanville City Kickettes and have danced competitively in the past. They also apprentice teach for classes at the JandJ studio. Each dancer will be receiving an $800 scholarship from JandJ.

From darling duets to extravagant ensembles the JandJ dancers put on a show people will be talking about for a long time.

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