"Rhythm Nation"
Mae Armstrong, Chandler Dean,
Tori Kiser, Myla McGhee,
Keanna Phelps
“I’ll Be There”
Marleigh Baker, Nylah Broom,
Baylee Casey, Elliana Gallardo,
Anna Mullen, Meela Rochell,
Kennedy Ruhter, Sawyer Wintz
“I Like to Move It”
Ava Curry, Paisley Hanna,
Vanessa McNeal, Nei’Ylah Melton,
Addilyn Shultz, Adaline Trent,
Zuhrina Williams
"B. I. N. G. O."
Mira Fischer, Landree Malloy,
Leah Miller, Caia Sharp
"Fuego"
Carsyn Jones, Adrianna Murry-Allen,
Faeryn Spangler
"A Million Dreams"
Bernadette Bledsoe, Hadley Foster,
Rosemary Gyure, Adelyn Johnson,
Olivia Turner
"I Just Wanna Fly" - Kimber Massey, Kelsi Riley, Cadyn Yarberry
"Roly Poly Rock 'n Roly"
Brooklyn Harlan, Addison Harrison, Savvy May,
Mikayla Shafer, Emerson Strode
Professional pictures of rec dances are shown at end of article. I didn't leave enough space while typing.
“The Wiz”
Mae Armstrong, Trent Armstrong,Rai Bullock, Jaidyn Clifton, Chandler Dean, Josie Epperson, Aubrey Hague, Lauryn Hague, Lindsay Hague,
Tori Kiser, Landree Malloy, Myla McGhee, Kylie McNutt, Lily Overholser, Kaylee Pelkey, Keanna Phelps
Curtain Call and Awards
Recital Years – 2021
First-Year Recital Students
Bernadette Bledsoe, Ny’lah Broom, Bailey Casey, Ava Curry, Eden Downs, Hadley Foster, Eliana Gallardo, Rosemary Gyure, Paisley Hanna, Brooklyn Harlan, Addison Harrison, Adelyn Johnson, Kimber Massey, Savvy May, Hayes McMahan, Vanessa McNeal, Nei’Ylah Melton, Landry Miller, Anna Mullen, Adrianna Murry-Allen, Makenna Pelkey, Aria Robinson, Kennedy Ruhter, Mikayla Schafer, Addilyn Schultz, Faeryn Spangler, Adaline Trent, Olivia Turner, Raquelle Williams, Zuhrina Williams, Sawyer Wintz, Cadyn Yarberry.
Second-Year Recital Students
Mira Fisher, Kylie McNutt, Kelsie Riley, Caia Sharp,
Emerson Strode
Third-Year Recital Students
Marleigh Baker, Laila Bullock, Jaidyn Clifton, Makaelyn Clifton,
Aubrey Hague, Landree Malloy, Leah Miller,
Lily Overholser, Meela Rochell
Fourth-Year Recital Students
Lauryn Hague, Lindsay Hague, Keanna Phelps
Fifth-Year Recital Students
Trent Armstrong, Rai Bullock, Tiffani Dooley
Sixth-Year Recital Students
Josie Epperson, Carsyn Jones, Lianna Overholser,
Kaylee Pelkey, Rilee Platt
Eleventh - Year Recital Student
Mae Armstrong
Twelfth - Year Recital Student
Chandler Dean
Thirteenth – Year Recital Students
Emilee Grimm, Tori Kiser, Myla McGhee
Recital Instructors – 2021
Director/Instructor – Lois Overholser Instructors: Rachel Wyrick, Kristof Waltermire, Jaimee Hall
Asst.Instructors: Mae Armstrong, Lindsay Hague, Tori Kiser
After many years of writing about the Jacksonville Dance Company, which was formed by Ms. Laurel nineteen years ago, it sometimes becomes difficult to come up with new words. I continue to say that the JDC has gotten better each year, and those words are certainly true, as evidenced by the accolades and awards the Company continues to receive each year in competitions. The Company has been under the leadership and direction of Ms. Lois for the past five years and even more years in the past. Ms. Lois was a member of Ms. Laurel’s first group of company dancers and was also a member of Coach Laurel’s very first competitive gymnastics team of eleven Level Four gymnasts. Ms. Lois has been loyal and dedicated to her craft and to Huff ‘n Puff, Jax Gym and Jacksonville Dance Company for over twenty-four years. We are so appreciative of all that she has done for us and we are so proud of her and her accomplishments – she is definitely one of our own.
About two years ago, Ms. Lois married Grant Overholser and with that wonderful union came being a mom to Lianna and Lily, who are both part of the Dance Company and are both competitive gymnasts with Jax Gym. Ms. Lois’ dreams have come true: dream man, dream love, dream girls and dream job. And after adopting these two girls last spring, the girls are truly hers. Having three adopted children of my own, the love as an adoptive parent could not be more.
In addition to teaching dance and being JDC Director for so many years, Ms. Lois has also coached competitive gymnastics for several years.
Ms. Rachel came back to Huff ‘n Puff to teach both recreational dance and competitive dance. Ms. Rachel started with us at Huff ‘n Puff at the age of nine. Her first three years were spent in gymnastics; however, after taking her first recreational hip hop class, she quickly realized her love and passion for dance. Rachel was in JDC for seven years. After graduating from high school, she began instructing in the HnP dance program, helping to lead the JDC competition team to many wins. To learn more about Ms. Rachel’s very impressive training and professional dance background when she left us two years after graduation for Las Vegas and later in Las Angeles, please check out the staff block on www.huffnpuffgym.com. We have been so fortunate that Ms. Rachel chose to come back to HnP to rejoin our program. She has helped Ms. Lois and JDC to win many top awards.
In 2019, Ms. Lois and Ms. Rachel added the “Minis” to the Company. We have been amazed by this group and we are so proud of their accomplishments. And now more young dancers have been added to the Company this year, who have also continued to win.
The older JDC Dancers have continued to work very hard this and every year. Also, for the past six years, in addition to their company dance classes, they take weekly HnP classes in technique and ballet from Kristof Waltermire, who is a well-known area ballet instructor.
JDC competed in and been awarded multiple top awards and honors this season, including Performance, Choreography and Costume Awards, just to name a few of the many, in addition to many top awards for dancing--groups, solos, duets and trios. JDC won top intermediate studio in several competitions.
2020 - 2021
Jacksonville Dance Company Dancers
Mae Armstrong, Trent Armstrong, Rai Bullock, Jaidyn Clifton, Chandler Dean, Josie Epperson, Mira Fischer, Aubrey Hague, Lauryn Hague, Lindsay Hague, Tori Kiser, Landree Malloy, Myla McGhee, Hayes McMahan, Kylie McNutt, Leah Miller, Lianna Overholser, Lily Overholser, Kaylee Pelkey, Keanna Phelps, Caia Sharp, Adaline Trent, Raquelle Williams and Zuhrina Williams
In addition to their JDC responsibilities, Ms. Lois and Ms. Rachel
have continued to teach the recreational dance classes this year.
Jaimee Hall has been a part of the Huff ‘n n Puff family for 13 years.
She spent 12 of those years taking dance classes with us. She
began assisting last year, and now is teaching her own classes. She
has done a great job stepping into this new role. She is also a full-
time student at Pulaski Technical College majoring in Business
Administration.
We have witnessed their progress with the recreational
program and we look forward to many of these dancers
continuing in their field of dance at Huff ‘n Puff.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Huff ‘n Puff Owners
Sheryl Zimmerman Laurel Adams
Director of Operations – Laurel Adams
Jacksonville Gymnastics
USAG Junior Olympic Competitive Team--
Levels One through Ten
Xcel Gymnastics Team
Jacksonville Dance Company
Ninja Zone
Director of Dance
Lois Overholser
Asst Director of Dance
Rachel Wyrick
Company – Lois Overholser and Rachel Wyrick
Ballet and Ballet Technique – Kristof Waltermire
Recreational – Lois Overholser, Rachel Wyrick and
Jaimee Hall
Assistant Instructors: Mae Armstrong,
Lindsay Hague and Tori Kiser
Music Reproduction – Lois Overholser
Publicist and Programs – Sheryl Zimmerman
Sound & Lighting Greg Armstrong & Grant Overholser
Office Staff
Kristina Armstrong Jackie Cross Shelly Soderlund Jackie York
After-School Care
Kristina Armstrong
Summer Daycamp –
Director – Jackie York
LETTER OF APPRECIATION
We are especially thankful for the opportunity to perform this afternoon and evening for our yearly recital. It is because of the hard work by your children and our staff, and your continued support of our staff, that we are here for this wonderful recital. In this, our 39th recital, I wish to again thank all of you for that support.
Our Goal from our very first year has been “We want your child to enjoy the pleasure of learning the art of dance while also experiencing the joy of achievement.”
It is our sincere hope that, when grown, your children will remember the fun and the achievements gained from their years at Huff ‘n Puff. I feel that our entire staff is a remarkable group and we hope that you feel that they are playing a positive part in your child’s life. We hope also that you have as much pride in us as we have in your children and their accomplishments.
Huff ‘n Puff continues to grow yearly. The recreational and competitive programs have progressed immeasurably. Huff ‘n Puff is the home to our successful Jacksonville Dance Company that will be competing in two national dance competitions this summer. Huff ‘n Puff is also home to one of the larger gymnastics teams in the state--our Jacksonville Gymnastics Competitive Team, Levels One through Ten, and Jax Gym Xcel Team. Jax Gym had two Level Eight gymnasts who placed second and fourth All-around in the seven-state Regional competition in Overland Park, Kansas, and one Level Seven gymnast who competed in the seven-state regional championship in Aurora, Colorado.
Four years ago, we added the Ninja Zone program which is enjoyed by many of our boys and even a few girls. This program continues to grow and we will need to schedule even more classes next fall.
We are so proud of all of our recreational and competitive programs and the children involved in each. I write about the success of our other programs in addition to our fantastic dance program, because I am hoping you will be as proud to have your child enrolled in our programs at Huff ‘n Puff as we are to have you. Seeing the success of our programs and the happiness of the children makes my 45 years of being in the dance and gymnastics business worth more than ever (counting my three years teaching dance in Dayton, Ohio, in addition to our years at HnP).
I realize that my letter of appreciation is much the same year to year but my pride remains the same and in fact, increases. I’m so proud of our instructors and coaches. We are so grateful to Ms. Lois, Ms. Rachel, Ms. Jaimee and Mr. Kristof and to all of our gymnastics and recreational coaches and to our very loyal staff members who have been with us for so many years.
In addition to honoring our staff, I would sincerely like to again honor my daughter Laurel Adams. The responsibilities required for managing this business are endless and not accomplished without a good deal of sacrifice. My pride lies not only in Laurel’s willingness to take on a challenge, but in her ability to see things as they are; to genuinely relate to people; and to have a deep concern and care for the students. Her dedication to the students, her courage to set higher goals, and the ability to help the students attain those goals, are what has made Huff ‘n Puff an even better training facility for dance and gymnastics.
Your continued support of Laurel, Huff ‘n Puff, our programs, and our staff is sincerely appreciated. Without your support, we would be nothing. My gratitude to all, over the years, is overwhelming.
Sheryl Lynn Zimmerman
Huff ‘n Puff 39th Dance Recital
May 22, 2021
The program and pictures for the Second Program will follow this other information from the printed program.
Parents - if you have considered talking to Ms. Lois about the JDC competitive program, this might convince you that it is a great benefit to your child. Not only have these young dancers proven that they have learned to perform, but they know how to be quiet and spend fun time with each other. This was at intermission during the first program and the
dancers were quietly playing a game and talking and laughing with each other. The camaraderie was evident. The friendships between all of the dancers is just amazing and is just one of the many benefits of your young dancer joining JDC.
“ABC”
Marleigh Baker, Ny’lah Broom, Baylee Casey,
Elliana Gallardo, Anna Mullen, Meela Rochell,
Kennedy Ruhter, Sawyer Wintz
“How to Believe”
Ava Curry, Paisley Hanna, Vanessa McNeal,
Nei’Ylah Melton, Addilynn Shultz,
Adaline Trent, Zuhrina Williams
“Blinding Lights”
Carsyn Jones, Adrianna Murry-Allen, Faeryn Spangier
“Remember Me”
Brooklynn Harlan, Addison Harrison,
Savvy May,
Mikayla Schafer, Emerson Strode
“Don’t Slack”
Trent Armstrong, Laila Bullock, Rai Bullock, Jaidyn Clifton, Makaelyn Clifton, Tiffani Dooley, Emily Grimm, Rilee Platt
“You’ll be in my Heart”
Mira Fischer, Landree Malloy, Leah Miller, Caia Sharp
“Single Ladies” Bernadette Bledsoe, Hadley Foster, Rosemary Gyure,
Adelyn Johnson, Olivia Turner
“Shake”
Josie Epperson, Aubrey Hague, Hayes McMahan,
Lianna Overholser, Lily Overholser, Kaylee Pelkey,
“September”
Trent Armstrong, Jaidyn Clifton, Kylie McNutt, Raquelle Williams
“You Can’t Hurry Love”
Kimber Massey, Kelsie Riley, Cadyn Yarberry
This is a photo of the program cover and shirt design.
A C T O N E
“Just Wanna Celebrate”
Mae Armstrong, Trent Armstrong, Rai Bullock, Jaiden Clifton,
Chandler Dean, Josie Epperson, Mira Fischer, Aubrey Hague,
Lauryn Hague, Lindsay Hague, Tori Kiser, Landree Malloy,
Myla McGhee, Hayes McMahan, Kylie McNutt, Leah Miller,
Lianna Overholser, Lily Overholser, Kaylee Pelkey,
Keanna Phelps, Caia Sharp, Adaline Trent, Raquelle Williams,
Zuhrina Williams
This was the fun opening number to "Let's Celebrate" which featured all the JDC members from four-year olds to 16-year olds and instructors, Lois Overholser, Rachel Wyrick and Jaimee Hall.
“I Just Wanna Fly”
Kimber Massey, Kelsi Riley, Cadyn Yarberry
.
“Roly Poly Rock ‘n Roly”
Brooklynn Harlan, Addison Harrison, Savvy May,
Mikayla Shafer, Emerson Strode
“A Million Dreams”
Bernadette Bledsoe, Hadley Foster, Rosemary Gyure, Adelyn Johnson, Olivia Turner
"Fuego"
Carson Jones, Adrianna Murry-Allen, Faeryn Spangler
“B.I.N.G.O.”
Mira Fischer, Landree Malloy, Leah Miller, Caia Sharp
“I Like to Move It”
Ava Curry, Paisley Hanna, Vanessa McNeal, Nei’Ylah Melton, Addilyn Shultz, Adaline Trent, Zuhrina Williams
“I’ll Be There”
Marleigh Baker, Nylah Broom, Baylee Casey, Elliana Gallardo,
Anna Mullen, Meela Rochell, Kennedy Ruhter, Sawyer Wintz
“Rhythm Nation”
Mae Armstrong, Chandler Dean, Tori Kiser, Myla McGhee, Keanna Phelps
“Love Never Felt So Good”
Trent Armstrong, Laila Bullock, Rai Bullock, Jaidyn Clifton, Makaelyn Clifton,
Tiffani Dooley, Emily Grimm, Rilee Platt
These are our youngest dancers - two years old.
“You are my Sunshine”
Eden Downs, Landry Miller, Makenna Pelkey, Aria Robinson
These are our youngest dancers.
“Fabulous”
Josie Epperson, Aubrey Hague, Hayes McMahan,
Lianna Overholser, Lily Overholser, Kaylee Pelkey
I N T E R M I S S I O N
A C T T W O “
“Waves”
Mae Armstrong, Chandler Dean, Lauryn Hague,
Lindsay Hague, Tori Kiser, Myla McGhee,
Keanna Phelps
2021 Recital - "Let's Celebrate" Program and Dress Rehearsal Pictures
These photos were taken at dress rehearsal and are mainly posted as a reminder to me so I can add the professional pictures later on - some of these photos are very blurry and I apologize - I'm sure that our parents have much better photos.
The 2021 39th Dance Recital "Let's Celebrate" was held Saturday, May 22, at the Jacksonville Community Center. Every year, our recital gets better and better and this was definitely the case this year, compared to last year when the recital had to be held at the Dance Studio at Hnp - due to Covid restrictions. We have just been happy that we have been able to continue classes and we loved to see the recreational dances along with the JDC competition performances. The recital day consisted of a very well run dress rehearsal, in spite of the very slick floor (which was taken care of by dads going back to HnP and taking up the dance room floor and installing it on stage.) As we've done in the past, the curtain call was held first, thus allowing families to leave after their child has performed her last dance. It just makes for such a well-run rehearsal. Of course, at the real performance, all children stay thru the curtain call where rewards are handed out. Cannot thank Ms. Lois, Ms.Rachel, Ms. Jaimee and Ms. Laurel for always running such a wonderful rehearsal - as well as performances. Of course, after 39 years, we have learned a lot, but it is due to our wonderful staff that everything ran so smoothly. We also thank our prop dads and Greg Armstrong (music); without your help, we wouldn't have been able to pull off such a flawless day. (Not trying to break our arms patting ourselves on the back, but if as parents you have ever been elsewhere for training, you can fully appreciate my praise.
So, the rehearsal started at 9:00 and the following are the program notes for the first program.
"The Whiz"
Mae Armstrong, Trent Armstrong, Rai Bullock, Jaidyn Clifton, Chandler Dean, Josie Epperso, Aubrey Hague, Lauryn Hague, Lindsey Hague, Tori Kiser, Landree Malloy, Myla McGhee, Kylie Mcutt, Lily Overholser, Kaylee Pelkey, Keanna Phelps
Curtain Call
ABC
Marleigh Baker, Ny'lah Broom, Balee Casey,
Elliana Gallardo, Anna Mullen, Meela Rochell, Kennedy Ruhter, Sawyer Wintz
"How to Believe"
Ava Curry, Paisley Hanna, Vanessa McNeal,
Nei'Yiah Melton, Addilyn Shultz,
Adaline Trent, Zuhrina Williams
"Blinding Lights"
Carsyn Jones, Adrianna Murry-Allen,
Faeryn Spangler
"Remember Me"
Brooklynn Harlan, Addison Harrison,
Savvy May, Mikayla Schafer,
Emerson Strode
"Don't Slack"
Trent Armstrong, Laila Bullock, Rai Bullock, Jaidyn Clifton, Makaelyn Clifton,
Tiffany Dooley, Emily Grimm, Rilee Platt
"You'll Be in My Heart"
Mira Fischer, Landree Malloy,
Leah Miller, Caia Sharp
"Single Ladies"
Bernadette Bledsoe, Hadley Foster,
Rosemary Gyure, Adelyn Johnson,
Olivia Turner
"Shake"
Josie Epperson, Aubrey Hague, Hayes McMahan,
Lianna Overholser, Lily Overholser, Kaylee Pelkey
:You Can't Hurry Love"
Kimber Massey, Kelsie Riley, Cadyn Yarberry
"September"
Trent Armstrong, Jaidyn Clifton,
Kylie McNutt, Raquelle Williams
"Waves"
Mae Armstrong, Chandler Dean, Lauryn Hague,
Lindsay Hague, Tori Kiser,
Myla McGhee, Keanna Phelps
"Love Never Felt So Good"
Trent Armstrong, Laila Bullock, Rai Bullock,
Jaidin Clifton, Makaelyn Clifton,
Tiffani Dooley, Emily Grimm, Rilee Platt
"You Are My Sunshine"
Eden Downs, Landry Miller, Makenna Pelkey, Aria Robinson
"Fabulous"
Josie Epperson, Aubrey Hague, Hayes McMahan,
Lianna Overholser, Lily Overholser, Kaylee Pelkey
I N T E R M I S S I O N
.
A C T T W O
Not finished yet - will get back to this to finish up soon.