More than 100 students earn cheer at recital for VSS Dance
JACKSON, Tenn. — Over 100 students worked hard to put on a recital that had their family and friends cheering and singing along.
Valarie Spragins School of Dance (VSS Dance) has been in existence for 38 years, and she doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.
“This is our 38th recital,” Valarie Spragins, director of VSS Dance said. “Most of them are right here at the Civic Center. We’re growing every year and we’re having a big time.”
Spragins said that she personally loves recitals.
“I grew up in a studio much like this one with a recital every year. The most exciting day of the year were recitals, so I just carried that on,” she said.
She said that all children are welcome.
“We have kids from special needs and all the way up to our high school students,” said Spragins. “It’s just a great way to release energy to express themselves. I found it to be very fulfilling my whole life.”
Each performer had on a special costume that Spragins says is chosen based off of the music, but sometimes, the costume is chosen and then her team comes together to find the right music to match their outfit.
“Usually if they start at three, and they make it all the way through, that’s 15 years and they’re off to college. So, we are sending a few off to college this year,” she said.
An awards ceremony was held during their dress rehearsal. the day before the recital. for those going to college.
So what’s next for VSS Dance?
“More growth and training more kids,” she said. “They keep coming and we keep teaching, so we’re gonna keep doing what we’re doing.”
Spragins said the best part of teaching young kids is watching them grow up and succeed, and she thinks that they’re all amazing.
Spragins also said that they have a guest teacher, Hannah Harris, coming this summer from Italy to help her with the kids.
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