SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Southern Dance &Performing Arts Company “Spirit & Company” is accepting requests for performances for 2021. “Spirit & Company” is a dance troupe consisting of dancers that after a week of training camp were selected through the audition process based on their technique & experience. Any company, organization, or church that is looking for entertainment for an upcoming event is invited to submit a performance request.
“Spirit & Company” is under the direction of Jeanna Sumners, the Artistic Director for SAFE’s Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company. Sumners began her teaching career in 1972 & is in her 48th year in the dance industry. Jeanna has written 2 syllabi for the dance & fitness industry.
Five young dancers comprise “Spirit & Company: Tye Franklin, Rachel McDonald, Alyssa Miller, Alexandra Ricks, & Kylie Sargent.
Tye Franklin is the daughter of Beth & Brandon Connell & the late Brandon Franklin. She is a student at Sylacauga High School & has been dancing for 11 years, training in ballet, jazz, hip hop, acro, pointe, lyrical, & tap. Tye is a Microsoft Teen Specialist & an A/B Honor Roll student with hope of one day becoming a sports broadcaster.
Rachel McDonald is the daughter of J. Patrick McDonald & Amy McDonald. She is a homeschool student & has 11 years of dance training in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, & lyrical. Rachel was the 2018 recipient of the Ramey K Sumners Dance Scholarship, 2019 Miss Childersburg Outstanding Teen 1st Runner-up, & performed in the 2018 Alabama Ballet’s production of Balanchine’s “Nutcracker”. In 2019 Rachel attended Alabama Ballet’s Summer Dance Intensive & in 2020 she attended Ballet Magnificat’s Summer Dance Intensive. Rachel has been accepted in to both Alabama Ballet’s & Ballet Magnificat’s 2021 Summer Dance Intensives. She has been accepted & will attend Belhaven University starting Fall, 2021 majoring in dance & biology.
Alyssa Miller is the daughter of Mitch & Lisa Miller. She is a student at Sylacauga High School & has studied dance for 13 years. Alyssa has trained in ballet, jazz, pointe, hip hop, tap, & lyrical. Alyssa is an all A Honor Roll student & an FBLA officer. She hopes to attend the University of Alabama in Fall 2022.
Alexandra Ricks is the daughter of Pete & Crystal Storey, and Tim & Tina Ricks. She is Classical Conversations homeschool student. Alexandra has trained in dance the past 15 years, studying ballet, jazz, lyrical, pointe, tap, & hip hop.
Kylie Sargent is the daughter of Kevin & April Sargent. She is a senior at Fayetteville High School. Kylie has taken dance for 8 years, studying ballet, jazz, & tap. Kylie is a member of the high school volleyball team & teaches “Kid-Hop” at SAFE’s Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company. She hopes to one day own her own business.
Southern Dance & Performing Arts, as a program of SAFE, is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating a solid & focused experience for each student – on & off stage – providing unique performing arts programs. Classes are offered in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, & musical theatre. The goal is to promote a hands-on experience in the arts, to all children, regardless of race, age, income or level of experience.
For more information about having “Spirit & Company” perform at an event or to become a sponsor please contact Southern Dance & Performing Arts at (256) 245-1669, email [email protected] or visit the website www.sdpac.net.
