OLEAN, N.Y. — The Neighborhood School of Dance held its eighth annual Christmas Show on Saturday, leaving the audience filled with holiday spirit.
With 27 acts, the 90-minute show unfolded as a celebration of dance, storytelling and the magic of Christmas.
This year’s performance was set as a “radio show” with callers sending in requests for songs, with each act contributing to the evening’s overall narrative. The charismatic hosts John Stevens and Steve Cocca guided the audience through a holiday journey.
“The unique format not only showcased local dance talent of all ages but also transported the audience into a world of holiday magic,” said Britany Thierman, CEO of Neighborhood School of Dance. The caller “shoutouts” between each dance act served as a vehicle to capture the essence of Christmas, making it a truly immersive experience for attendees, she said.
“The Christmas show was a delightful blend of artistry and holiday cheer,” Thierman said. “The ‘radio show’ concept allowed us to connect with the audience on a more personal level, immersing them in the spirit of Christmas and creating lasting memories. Some audience members even got a shout-out of their own.”
The Christmas show again featured more than 160 dancers from both of NSD’s studios in Olean and Port Allegany, Pa. Performances ranged from cute toddler dance numbers through elementary-aged children to more technically advanced acts by seasoned teen and adult dancers.
“Above all, we’re here to have fun at NSD,” Thierman said. “As a dance school, we happily showcase the progression of skills gained through experience, but the point of our annual Christmas show is to share our art and dance magic that feels particularly important during the holiday season.”
Held at Allegany-Limestone High School, the event drew a sell-out crowd of more than 700 people. The overwhelming community support underscores Neighborhood School of Dance’s commitment to providing exceptional entertainment and fostering a sense of togetherness during the holidays, Thierman said.
“I’m so blessed,“ added Kyleigh Peterson, director of Neighborhood School of Dance. “This was the fifth recital that I’ve managed and I’m so happy with how everything turned out.”
NSD also honored four of its high school senior dancers: Ruby Chahal of Olean, Ally Davenport of Portville, Caterina Huff of Salamanca and Kate Persing of Bradford, Pa.
