Kelli’s Kreative Dance celebrates long-awaited summer revue

Published 6:15 am Saturday, September 5, 2020

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DESTREHAN — Kelli’s Kreative Dance recently held its long-awaited 2020 revue at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner.

After months of uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, dancers captivated audiences in a dazzling three-night show of beauty, grace, talent and perseverance.

This year’s revue, themed “Just Dance,” featured a magical ballet production of “Mary Poppins.”

While KKD revues typically draw thousands to the Pontchartrain Center, adjustments were made so there were never more than 100 people in the people at one time. The auditorium was divided into two rooms with 50 people on each side. Each night was split into multiple acts so dancers and families could filter in and out of the building. Those who couldn’t attend in person watched a live stream.

Front row seats were grouped in pairs and spread six feet apart, allowing proud parents an opportunity to see their children shine. Seats were disinfected between dances to ensure a clean and safe environment.

“Everyone at the studio was disappointed that we were not able to have a full audience and some of the usual production value that we are accustomed to having for our revues. At the same time, we were overjoyed to be able to provide our dancers with the opportunity to show off their skills, hard work and perseverance on stage,” Kelli’s Kreative Dance owner Kelli Manville said. “We are blessed with amazing faculty and staff, and they worked tirelessly to organize and put on amazing shows despite all of the obstacles and uncertainty that 2020 brought. Our students showed so much dedication and persistence this year and we were always determined to give them the chance to showcase in whatever way we could. Our hearts were full seeing our dancers finally take the stage and absolutely shine!”

Parent Lindy Bourgeois said the girls endured a lot since March to finally have their shining moment on stage.

“They abruptly ended classes, and then they had Zoom classes and a rescheduled summer break. Everybody worked hard to give them the special moment where they got to perform and show off on stage,” Bourgeois said.

With three locations in Destrehan, Kenner and Mandeville, Kelli’s Kreative Dance offers quality instruction to dancers of all skill levels, from toddlers to teens, beginners to advanced. Recreational and competition classes are offered for ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, lyrical and much more. Each year concludes with a professional year-end production.

Classes for the new year begin Tuesday, Sept. 8. For more information, visit kelliskreativedance.com.