By LAURA ROBISON
The Progress
The Mack Lyon Middle School (MLMS) Marinettes dance team hosted its end of year Revue event on Thursday evening, March 31. Parents, grandparents, students and friends filled the school gymnasium to watch the exciting program which included the Marinettes dance team, MLMS cheer team, the “Macho Marinettes”, and the Moapa Valley Mini Tumblers and Elite Tumbling team.
Local Realtor Kasen Kolhoss was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. He introduced each performance as the evening shaped up.
Coached by Stephanie Thornton, the Marinettes dance team began with a hip-hop number entitled “Jungle” followed by a Pom-Pom number, “September.”
The MV Mini Tumbling team, ages K-3rd grade, then took the floor to perform to Butter. The team is coached by Cindy Olafson.
Local mom, Jane Solomon, whose daughter is on the team, was very enthusiastic to watch 7-year-old Ruth. “This is Ruth’s first dance revue and I love it just as much as she does,” Solomon said.
The dance team performed two more numbers, Sorry Not Sorry and Beat It.
Shirlene and Rick Hull traveled from Big Water, UT to watch their 7th grade granddaughter perform. “LaNae (Hull) is a natural,” said Shirlene. “She started tumbling and performing when she was 5 and wanted to copy her older sisters and dance. She used to be extremely shy, but performing has given her confidence.”
Next came the Mariners Cheer Team, coached by Ashley Bowler. The cheerleaders performed two routines that evening: “Better Have My Money” and “Here Comes The Boom.” The audience really loved their strength, agility and balance, applauding their pyramid stances.
After the dance team performed to “Wild Ones,” attendees were treated to a non-traditional performance from the “Macho Marinettes.” As the crowd was entertained by these boys, they received loud cheers, whistles and applause.
The MV Elite Tumbling team then lit up the gym with their high flying acrobatic moves.
“This night has been great!” said Marinettes Captain Ariana Rubio, who is in 8th grade. “It’s a little sad that this is our final performance, but I am looking forward to being on the Pirate Motion team at Moapa Valley High School. I love dancing and being with the other girls.”
A slideshow was shown of photos of the Marinettes dance team as they practiced and performed throughout the year.
Each young lady was then introduced and led on the floor by their mothers, followed by a daddy-daughter dance.
To conclude the evening, head coach Stephanie Thornton gave out awards to individuals who had met and exceeded goals that were set.
“This has been a great season and we have had lots of fun,” Thornton said, becoming emotional. “These girls have worked hard, had dedication, and have grown together. All of them deserve to be recognized.”
