The sound of tapping feet could be heard up and down Main Street
this past weekend as the 53rd Stardust Revue was presented by the
Lathrop School of Dance at Edmond Town Hall. Exciting numbers
were performed by the Stardusters, Jr Stardusters, Lathrop
Dancers and Jr Lathrop Dancers to name a few.
The show presented over 300 students that have worked hard during
the year learning their tap and jazz numbers for this one
exciting weekend. Dancers performed five shows over the course of
three days for family and friends.
The opening number always celebrates the high school seniors with
the Overture Stardust. During this number the stage is filled
with dancers who are seen many times during the Revue.
Always a highlight in the show are the three-and four-year olds.
Though they know their number prior to getting on stage, the
applaud from the audience and the swirling dots created by the
lit twirling ball are usually the cause of distractions during
their routine, but one can always count on a beautiful bow when
their dance is completed. The show runs smoothly with Mrs Lathrop
guiding dancers from the side stage and Miss Diane Wardenburg,
Mrs Lathrop's right hand, directing the dancers from the pit.
Dancers performed to lively tunes this year from Elvis and Grease
to Wedding Bells and New York New York. As usual, the talented
Stardusters performed several dazzling numbers, closing the first
half with the tune "Hot Chocolate" from the movie The Polar
Express. Dancing down the isles to the stage, each carried a
tray looking prepared to serve a delicious cup of hot chocolate,
but instead the audience was served a hot tap dance.
One of Mrs Lathrop's dancers, Lynn Lewis, celebrated her 25th
year with the Lathrop School of Dance. Miss Lynn, teacher and
dancer, did not dance during the recital this year as she
recently delivered a beautiful baby girl joining two siblings at
home. Instead, Miss Lynn became an asset backstage with each
performance as she prepared and organized the dancers for their
number on stage.
This show provided something for everyone to enjoy. There were
energetic jazz numbers and tapping rhythmic feet by young dancers
just learning to veterans with over "30 Something" years of
experience. Viewers couldn't help but have a good feeling after
the show and leave with a smile.
Each year Mrs Lathrop donates a portion of the proceeds from two
shows to the Danbury Hospital Pediatric Unit and also to Newtown
Scholarship Association.
A tradition started after September 11, 2001 with young Caleb
Wardenburg, now six years old, singing "God Bless America" at the
end of each show. The audience is asked to join him to honor our
country and those serving.
Surrounded by Mrs Lathrop and his parents, Joel and Miss Diane
Wardenburg, Caleb closes the show with a beautiful rendition. It
is a sight to see as all the glitter of the costumes and the
mixture of lights combine around a very special and talented
teacher, Mrs Virginia Lathrop, who has served Newtown's dancing
community for more than half a century.