By Kendra Gaston, Business Manager — This November, the dance department will be putting on an all school ballet of the production Annie. The ballet will showcase dancers from age 3 to 12th grade. Under the direction of Jackie Blaydes, Annie will be the seventh all school ballet at our school.

While this production takes place on the Abbey Foltz Memorial Stage, this ballet also helps raise money and awareness for the Plain Local Foundation and the Arts department.

The ballet gives older dancers a chance to become role models and leaders for the younger children. High school students often help to choreograph dances for their younger peers to perform, along with planning show order and collaborating with light and sound students.

“ We are right on track in the creative process as well as the various groups,” choreographer Jackie Blaydes said.

Every performer is required to attend Sunday practices each week. These practices incorporate dancers of all ages to work as a unit to make the dancers a cohesive piece of art.

“Being a senior this year has made the show so much more enjoyable,” Jillian Cain said. “ Being able to know that all my hard work has finally paid off is so fulfilling and I can’t wait for the school and the community to see this show.”

With over 27 dancers, Annie will give students the opportunity to learn about leadership, time management, responsibility and how to work with others.

“It’s a new challenge being that this is my first time having a lead role,” sophomore Sydney Wiess said. “ You need to have dedication and passion for what you’re doing to be successful.”

The dancers will be able to use what they learn in future dance performances. This program continues to strive as the years go on.

“Being a lead in the all school ballet is something that I have worked very hard for. It was an honor to be picked among all the very talented dancers in the dance program,” junior Madison McGuire said. “Being a lead is a great responsibility, a chance to be a great role model for all the little girls I help to teach and a great opportunity to perform on the stage.”

The public will be able to see this show on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m and Nov. 21 at 2 and 7 p.m.

[Updated Aug. 12, 2017: This article has been reformatted for consistency.]