Starz are off to Disneyworld

Starz Disney Dancers

by Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD - It’s more than counting in increments of eight dance moves. Expressing yourself through your body movements is what dancing’s all about, your personality shines through. And that is what the 38 members of the Starz Dance Centre of Oxford will prove when they dance their hearts out on the Waterside Stage in Downtown Disney at Disneyworld/Orlando this Sunday, October 7.

I had the pleasure of watching this talented group run through their nine numbers for their 25-minute show this past week. Observing the professionalism of these fine young ladies as I sat beside their skilled instructors was a privilege. They are polished, very well-trained, and eager to show their abilities. They certainly impressed me as much as I’m sure they will to those who watch them on the Disney stage this coming weekend.

Many of these young ladies might be shy and unassuming while at school but can express themselves wonderfully while in dance class. After speaking with instructors Deb, Lisa, and Kim Lamarche (additional instructors include Heather Lamarche as well as Catherine Lavoie), I learned that ballet is the core of all dancing and every other form of dance stems from ballet. The dancers learn poise, carriage, and movements that include bending, stretching, rising, turning, and reaching. French terminology for these types of movements is expressed as the plié, jete, pirouette, and arabesque to name a few. Strong emphasis is placed on listening to music cues for the sets of dance moves that will accompany that music. These dancing artists have learned and refined their routines to perfection – Look out Disney, here they are!

To be accepted by Disneyworld, an audition tape was sent, dances and costumes were approved, Disney’s strict dress codes were agreed to (including Disney’s own conservative rules for earrings, necklaces, and hair accessories), and the dance troupe was on its way. Their youngest member is 7-year old Catherine Sirard who is the granddaughter of Oxford Bandstand coordinator, Joyce Sirard. Ingrid Lindstrom, who is 11 and has been dancing since age 2, tells me that she enjoys expressing herself through dance while Mikayla Perry of Webster, age 14 and dancing for 12 years, states that her dancing here “helps condition my muscles and helps me deal with any stress from school and schoolwork.”  Another student, Chloe Bilodeau of Webster, enjoys “having fun with friends here and likes the activity of exercising at the same time.” Chloe contributes towards her lesson costs by doing chores around the house.

The Starz dancers will also take part in a workshop entitled “Disney Dancing” on Saturday morning. Disney choreographers will teach Starz staff and dancers new dance styles and moves that will be usable or modified for future presentations. On Sunday evening, dancers and their family members will attend a buffet dinner along with a private showing of Disney’s Fantasmic, which is a spectacular show featuring water effects, fireworks, and music. For many of these young ladies this is bound to be one of their most exciting holidays. Their 3-hour rehearsals will be well worth the excitement of being in one of the most enjoyable places on earth. Just the name “Disney” invokes a sense of wonderment and awe for those who have visited the magical kingdom.

“All of the parents and families who are so dedicated and have made a big commitment to the studio and its dancers deserve a great amount of credit. These students are blessed with wonderful families and our studio is blessed to have them be a part of it,” acknowledged Deb Lamarche.

Starz Dance Centre is located across from the Oxford Post Office on 4 Jackson Court, Oxford 01540 and can be reached at (508) 864-6408.