Virginia Dance Academy will perform 'Grinch'

Last year was the first time the Virginia Dance Academy staged "How the Dancing Grinch Stole Christmas," a performance based on the holiday favorite "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss.

"It was the first year and it was kind of disorganized," recalled Nicole Servidio, studio owner and teacher. "The whole school was involved and we waited until October to start working on it."

This year, Servidio said, she has been more on her toes. She and a group comprised of 23 dancers of all ages from the school's three select companies began working on the performance in July. The dancers are more dedicated and so are their parents, Servidio said.

That and the early start date will ensure a better performance, Servidio promised.

This year's event will include hip hop, jazz, lyrical, ballet and pointe, but will focus more on technique and traditional ballet and follow more closely the storyline in which a grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Proceeds from the Saturday, Dec. 19 performance at Staunton River High School in Bedford County will go to the Academy's scholarship fund. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets ($10 for adults, $5 for 12-and-under) are available at the door or by calling 721-0777.