- December 20, 2024
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The Mia Bella's Petite Ballet class performance. Photo by Brian McMillan
The Ballet-Tap Combo class performance. Photo by Brian McMillan
The Hippy Hop dance class, ages 2-4. Photo by Brian McMillan
A group of the older dancers performs at Mia Bella Academy's June performance. Photo by Brian McMillan
Mia Bella's Companion & Me performers. From left to right mother Natasha Jackson with daughter Rya Jackson, mother Tatiana Lanov with daughter Veronica Lanov, and mother Alecia Lind with daughter Grace Lind. Photo courtesy of Mia Bella Academy of Dance
From left to right, Mia Schwartz, Valerie Lanov and Emilia Kreymborg in Mia Bella's Hippy Hop class for ages 2-4. Photo courtesy of Mia Bella Academy of Dance
Mia Bella's Mini Ballet class. Photo courtesy of Mia Bella Academy of Dance
Mia Bella's Petite Ballet class performance. Photo courtesy of Mia Bella Academy of Dance
Mia Bella had more male dancers this year than ever before. Photo courtesy of Mia Bella Academy of Dance
Mia Balla founder Brie Valenti-Crane (left) with Carly Hyers and her family. Hyers has signed on with the University of Florida's dance team. Photo courtesy of Mia Bella Academy of Dance
Carly Hyers and her family. Hyers has signed on with the University of Florida's dance team. Photo courtesy of Mia Bella Academy of Dance
The Teen Contemporary dance group poses for a photo before their show with two members of the Teen Hip hop class. Photo courtesy of Mia Bella Academy of Dance
Mia Bella Academy of Dance has celebrated the end of spring with its annual spring performance with over 250 student performers.
Owner/founder Brie Valenti-Crane said the June 8 performance at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center was the school’s 27th recital in 14 years. The theme, she said, was Mia Bella Music Festival and featured songs one might hear at a live concert.
“I was thrilled. This was such a great audience. They were really invested until the bitter end," she said.
The school teaches dance for all levels, from recreational to pre-professional. Valenti-Crane said she was extra excited because this year the school had its largest group of boy performers. A total of 10 boys were enrolled across multiple classes, including Hip Hop and Junior Tap.
“It was a big deal for us,” she said.
Valenti-Crane said the recital could not have gone as well as it did without the support of Mia Bella's parents and staff. She said she was especially grateful to the staff at the Fitzgerald for all of their help.
Among the performers also included five graduating seniors, including Valenti-Crane’s own son. The June 8 performance also included another first for the school: Valenti-Crane hosted an official commitment signing event for graduating senior Carly Hyers, who has been accepted onto the University of Florida’s dance team.
“We've had other kids go on to colleges, but we have not done a signing,” she said. “That was the first time we've done something like that at a recital. And I think that was a really special moment for her and her family.”
Another senior is also competing for a spot with the Miami Heat’s dance team, though auditions are still ongoing, Valenti-Crane said. It’s always emotional to see some of the seniors leave, she said, because the seniors have been dancing at Mia Bella for years, some since they were just 4 years old.
“It was just a super, super, like, emotional and positive experience to see how dance has helped shape them,” Valenti-Crane said.
