Be Our Guest!

STARZ Theater Company set to perform Beauty and the Beast this weekend

 Get set for a magical theater experience, and join us for an adventure in the great wide somewhere this weekend as STARZ Theater Company performs Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Broadway musical January 21-23 at the Wasson Academic Campus Auditorium.

 The story’s timeless elements will be on full display, along with all the familiar favorite songs that guarantee to have you singing along. And while it’s a tale as old as time, it’s a performance STC’s artistic director Laura Bergen says will be an unforgettable new experience.

 “This show will bring you all the beautiful elements one hopes to see in a fairytale Disney production,” Bergen said. “Stunning costumes, dazzling choreography, gorgeous vocals and a captivating story that reminds us of the transforming power of love. The Broadway adaptation blends familiar tunes from the movie with songs and storylines written for the stage musical. So even if you’ve seen the movie 100 times, come excited to experience Beauty and the Beast in a new way!”

 In addition to STC’s fusion of stage and screen (and the high-quality production value audiences have come to expect from Turning Pointe’s theater division), the Beauty and the Beast experience offers brand new elements for those in attendance, including a performance that will be live-translated into ASL, and Enchanted Meet & Greets for add-on ticket holders age 3-10. This production week also marks the third show of STC’s 2021-22 season, which began as the theater community continued to battle the challenges of shutdowns in the Spring of last year.

 “One thing that has been so special to our team, and that others may not realize, is that Beauty and the Beast is actually the final show in our ‘Pandemic Pivot’ plan,” Bergen said. “When we realized the need to pivot our season lineup in 2020, we knew it would mean 2021 would be a year unlike any we had experienced to that point.  Through our production of Newsies, STC had been structured to produce one show in a 12 month period.  Our pivot plan included moving our Mary Poppins show to produce in Jan-April 2021, High School Musical, Jr. in June-July 2021 and closing out with Beauty and the Beast in October-Jan.  At the time, with so much uncertainty, it felt crazy to plan … or even dream of producing three shows in that time period.  But we all had peace. Step-by-step, day-by-day, we believed, prayed and kept our eyes looking forward and now Beauty and the Beast production week is here!”

 “With each prayer and decision, we have now arrived at the other side of our Pandemic Plan!  The last 12 months have honestly been filled with gifts and memories that will last a lifetime.  Above all, we reflect with grateful hearts for the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.  He has graciously carried us!  As we close out our pivot chapter and look ahead to a regular rhythm of 2 shows a year, we will hold close the lessons learned from this unique time and the reminders of His goodness.”

Families have five chances to watch this magical production at the Wasson Academic Campus Auditorium (2115 Afton Way), with Enchanted Meet & Greets scheduled from Noon-12:30 p.m. prior to the 1 p.m. matinees.

Beauty and the Beast Showtimes:

●      Friday, January 21 at 6 p.m.

●      Saturday, January 22, 1 p.m. (ASL Accessible) and 6 p.m.

●      Sunday, January 23, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Senior Night)

 For complete information (and to purchase tickets!) visit www.starztheater.org/stcbeautyandthebeast.

TP Top 5: Tips to Start the Year Strong

Welcome back to dance! Christmas break is over and life is back in full swing. Are you already overwhelmed? Did you make a resolution to be more informed or to stay ahead of the game? We’re here to help! Read on for Turning Pointe’s Top 5 ways to start strong in 2022!

 1. Read Your Emails (and flag the important ones!)
Did you know Turning Pointe sends out weekly communication to all of our families? Every Wednesday, look for an email with all the latest and greatest information like dates for upcoming events, links for everything you need, video tutorials and more! In addition to the Weekly Wednesday, teachers and program directors use email as their primary means of communication to convey important updates and details. Make sure you read every word! The part you skim could be just the part you need to know. Read something you know you’ll need again later? Flag it! Mark that email as unread, put it in a separate folder, or flag/star it. That way you won’t miss something or need to ask again later on!

2.  Follow us on Social Media (ALL of us!)
Find everything you need to know right where you’re already looking! Let’s face it, we spend more time browsing social media than we do checking our emails, so why not put reminders and information in the palm of your hand? Follow Turning Pointe School of Dance on Facebook and @turningpointedancecolorado on Instagram for timely updates and information, and follow our performance companies, @FideleYouthDanceCompany and @STARZTheater, for details on upcoming seasons and performances.

 3. Get the Information Up Front
It’s always better to know things ahead of time, right? Turning Pointe gives families every opportunity to be prepared, so take advantage and stay up-to-date! Your next chance to dive in is at the Parent Information Meetings for Turning Pointe’s Training Division, Fidele Youth Dance Company and STARZ Theater, set for Saturday, February 26. Mark your calendar to get these amazing opportunities on your radar!

 4. Check on Your DanceWorks Account
Your DanceWorks account is more powerful than you think! Way beyond registration and tuition payments, this account is how we connect with you, upload practice videos, provide supplemental class materials and so much more! Find a video tutorial for navigating your account in the latest Weekly Wednesday email. Didn’t receive it? Make sure your information is correct in your DanceWorks account!

5. Ask Questions
We have a wonderful team of directors and admin who are friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help. Use them! Ask questions. That’s why they’re here! Don’t know who to ask? Check at the front desk, leave a message at 719.445.9497, or submit an email through the form at turningpointeschoolofdance.com/contact. (We’ll make sure it gets into the right hands.) Someone will get back to you within 24-48 hours!

January Devotion: Restore

“New year, new me.” Ever heard that one before? The first month of the year always brings about feelings of needing to start all over again. And why not? It literally is a new beginning. But it’s also a time to let go of the year that we’re leaving behind. It’s a time of reflection, and a time to evaluate what we’d like to change. Lots of mixed emotions this time of year, eh? So how about this: Instead of getting caught up in the cliches of a fresh start, let’s restore our roots. Let’s break the cycle of “making this is my year,” and instead live this year for HIS glory. Rather than stressing out about the creation of a “new you,” let’s restore the people God created us to be.

 “He restores my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”     — Psalm 23:3

 To restore is to reestablish. The state or fact of being restored is a return of something to a former, unimpaired condition. It’s the restitution of something taken away or lost. The last few years have taken away lots of things, from traveling to in-person visits with friends and family and consistent time in offices or classrooms. What did 2021 take away from you? Maybe you lost your self-worth. Maybe a relationship or two. Maybe you lost sight of what’s important, or why you’re doing what you do each day. The fact is, in some way or another, we’re all broken. But good news—Our God restores. He restored Peter’s faith. He restored everything Job lost. He’ll restore you, too.

 In the midst of brokenness, failures, sin, mistakes, and hurts that are experienced in this world, Jesus restores. The mercy and grace of God led Jesus to the cross to shed His blood, and rise again. It’s through that cross and resurrection that our restoration is possible.

 In Joel 2:25, God says “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” In Jeremiah 30:17, He declares “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal.” In 1 Peter 5:10, we’re told He will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us. No matter what we’ve lost or what we’re leaving behind, Zechariah 9:12 confirms His promise: “Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.”

 Wherever you need restoration, whether a relationship, your finances, your body, or your fellowship with God, it is possible because of God’s provision and willingness to do so. So set your new goals, make your 2022 resolutions and start your vision boards, but make sure the cross at the center. It’s not the new year that brings about a transformation. It’s not a new calendar for the next chapter that brings about 365 blank pages of exciting possibilities. It’s His love and provision that transforms us and restores our hearts in Him. And with Him, ALL things are possible.

Back to the Heart: Turning Pointe Holiday Outreach Recap

When the spread of COVID-19 forced the world to stay in, reaching out posed quite a challenge. To adapt, Turning Pointe created new ways to shine Christ's light through contact-free outreach and service opportunities, including pre-recorded performances, video messages and letters to isolated seniors and quarantined patients across the city. This year, as the holidays began to look more like they once did, students were blessed to return to in-person outreach—just in time for Christmas.

 Students in the Training Division kicked off the Christmas season by performing at Turning Pointe’s neighboring facilities, visiting residents at Windsong Independent Living and Brookedale Vista Grande.

 “Outreach is really important to me as a student, and to the training program as a whole,” Training student Anna Schuetz said. “It’s the reason why we dance—to show the joy of the Lord. It especially meant a lot to perform at the nursing homes this year because the people there have been so isolated and lonely.”

 “It was so fun to see all of the resident’s faces as they watched us dance,” Training student Lacy Sachsenmaier added. “It’s such a blessing to bring joy to them this time of the year.”

 While dancers were asked to perform in masks and complete symptom screening like temperature checks at the doors, ultimately the experience proved to once again be the blessing it’s been in years past.

 “It was incredibly nice to be back,” Training student Zoe Lenters said. “The environment is just so different from what we normally do. With performances or in the studio, we’re all spread out and everything feels so big sometimes, but in these homes, we meet them and their space. It’s like a family, and seeing how excited they were to have us back, and the smiles on their faces while we danced made everything from the last year or so worth it.”

 Students of Fidele Youth Dance Company continued the season’s outreach efforts, appearing in costume to meet, greet and play with children at the Play Street Museum’s Nutcracker Paint and Play Party.

 “There were so many doors closed to the arts and to outreach last year, and it was such a joy to be back in person at things like this again,” FYDC Director Mimi McKinnis said. “The kids in attendance loved meeting real-life ballerinas, and our students loved being able to minister to the community in this way.”

 Throughout the month, Turning Pointe also collected mittens and hats for local charities, spreading warmth around the community and shining His light with love.

 For more information on Turning Pointe’s monthly outreach efforts, or to suggest an event, community drive or outreach initiative, reach out any time to turningpointedance@gmail.com!

Merry Christmas from Turning Pointe!

We made it! Turning Pointe Dance is officially on Christmas break, and while we’ll miss your smiling faces and dancing feet, we wish all of our TP families a very merry Christmas! As we step away from the barre to soak up the blessings, we want to share with you what our teachers and staff will be up to next week:

 “My favorite Christmas tradition is making breakfast with my mom the morning of Christmas. We always make a quiche with different crust decorations on the top. It is one of my favorite meals of all time! YUMMMMM!”   – Ms. Lauren

 “We always order Chinese food the day we decorate the tree! Growing up, this was such a special treat and will always be one of my favorite Christmas memories.”   – Ms. Emma

 “Our family reads The Best Christmas Pageant Christmas Ever by Barbara Robinson every year on the Sundays leading up to Christmas.”   – Ms. Melissa

 “My family gets an ornament from somewhere we traveled that year. It’s always fun decorating our tree and reminiscing about all our special memories.”   – Ms. Morgan

 “When my family puts up our Christmas tree, we usually watch The Polar Express, drink apple cider or hot chocolate, and recount fun, family memories documented by our ornaments! I always love remembering sweet times we’ve had together around the tree.”   – Ms. Moriah

 “My favorite holiday tradition is painting Christmas houses for my village. My mom started this about three years before she died. I have done it ever since and my kids have started one.”   – Ms. Tonya

 “My favorite traditions are attending The Nutcracker with my daughters, making Christmas cookies and Christmas Eve candlelight service.”   – Ms. Nicole

 “Every year on Christmas Eve, after church, we do a family book exchange and unwrap matching pajamas. Then we eat Christmas cookies by the fireplace and enjoy our new books in our new comfy PJs, but we don’t stay up too late! My girls wake us up pretty early for presents on Christmas morning.”   – Ms. Mimi

 “My husband and I decorate a Christmas cactus as our Christmas tree with mini lights and ornaments. We even put our presents around it!”   – Ms. Sara

“Our favorite family traditions are doing an Advent reading each night as a family, Christmas baking, making gingerbread houses, North Pole breakfast on December 1st, getting in our jammies and looking at lights around town with loaded hot chocolate, and Christmas Eve candlelight service at church. Ella and I also love going to the Nutcracker Ballet in Denver every year and we get a new nutcracker for our collection!” - Ms. Tina

 “Our favorite family Christmas tradition is our wooden advent calendar. Each day leading up to Christmas, we open a door to discover an act of kindness or family adventure which we all participate in!”   – Ms. Shani

 Whatever you’re doing this holiday season, we pray for blessings, love, joy and peace as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. Enjoy the rest and festivities… we’ll see you back in the studio January 3!

TP Top 5: Classes to Try This Week

Have you been itching to shake up your dance schedule? Well you’re in luck! December 13-18 is Free Trial Week at Turning Pointe Dance. Whether you want to add another class to your schedule, reach for a 2022 resolution, explore a new style or simply challenge yourself in a new way, Free Trial Week is the perfect opportunity to find what fits—free of charge! Wondering where to start? Read on for our recommendations in this week’s TP Top 5: Classes to Try This Week.

1. Worship Class

 Psalm 149:3 says, “Let them praise His name with dancing!” Explore the different ways to praise through movement in one of Turning Pointe’s worship classes. Students will combine lyrical, jazz, and contemporary dance styles to explore ways God created our bodies to move. A large emphasis is placed on personal prayer and exploration of God’s Word through improvisation time in class. We focus on cultivating individual expression and innovation through creative worship while also learning to dance. Students age 8-11 can give it a try in Contemporary/Worship 2, while older students can do a free trial of Worships 3 through 4b/5.

2. Ballet Class

Ballet is the foundation of every dance style. It gives dancers a solid base of essential fundamentals, which leads to success in all other genres. Simply put, ballet is important for every dancer! In Turning Pointe’s ballet classes, students will develop rhythm, coordination, flexibility, listening skills, balance, and musicality through activities like stretching, strengthening muscles at the barre, and learning center floor progressions. They will also be encouraged in creative worship and improvisation, unleashing the grace and creativity that God has put in them. We offer Twirl Ballet for our preschool-age dancers, and enrichment classes for students age 5.5 to adult. Find the class that fits the best and see what ballet can do for you! 

3. Tap Class

 Want to set yourself apart at auditions? Add tap to your resume! Tap dance has influenced dance, film, music, and social change in America for centuries. From the old style of vaudeville and hoofers, to the modern-day hitters, tap spans the decades and the globe. In Turning Pointe’s tap classes, students will explore historical dances and even put their own twist on the traditions. Technique and body alignment are the central focus of class while building on choreography. Music from every generation will help us to work on musicality, tone, shading, counterpoint and, of course, style! Preschool-age students can try their hand at tapping their toes in a Twirl Combo class, while dancers age 6 to adult can drop into Tap levels 1-4/5 this week!

4. Irish Class

 Honor tradition and explore a stunning piece of history by adding an Irish class to your repertoire! Irish Step Dance is a fun and fast-paced style that emphasizes the rhythms of beautiful celtic music and has a unique technique all it’s own. Dancers will learn that technique through warm up exercises, across the floor work and traditional folk dances including the jig, reel and hornpipe, which all focus on very specific footwork. They will also participate in group dances called Ceilis, which develop teamwork skills and coordination. Students will also learn choreographed work that combines all the elements they learn within the class. Turning Pointe offers Irish Levels 1-5 for students age 6 to adult. Find your fit and give it a try!

5. Specialty Class

 Have you fallen into a dance rut? It happens to the best of us, taking the same classes we know and love year after year. Why not spice up your schedule with a specialty class? Turning Pointe offers fun classes like Acro Dance, Acting Through Song, Small Group Vocal Lessons and Hula!

 View our full school-year session calendar here, and check in with the front desk before dropping in this week. We’ll see you in class!

December Devotion: Reveal

There’s a reason we conceal our Christmas gifts in wrapping paper, or keep them hidden inside of our stockings. In fact, historians think the tradition of wrapping presents began thousands of years ago, not long after the invention of paper itself. And stockings? They’ve been hung by the chimney with care since the early 1800s. There’s something about the moment you have the go-ahead on Christmas morning, knowing the only thing standing between you and your gifts is some festive tissue. There’s something about watching the look on someone’s face as they tear through the paper Santas to see what you’ve gotten for them—which brings us to December’s word of the month. There’s just something about a big reveal.

 I think God must love a big reveal. A burning bush isn’t exactly subtle. Only seven loaves and a few fish? 5,000 people are full and satisfied. Ta da! He reveals himself through His creation, He reveals himself by impressing His law on our hearts through our conscience, and He reveals himself through His word. But as long as we’ve been decking the halls, trimming the trees and giving gifts at Christmastime (the wise men didn’t even show up to the stable empty-handed), we’ve had the greatest gift we could ever be given, and it wasn’t underneath any wrapping paper. No, it wasn’t myrrh. It was the birth of Jesus—when God revealed himself to us.

 When Jesus was born as a human on earth, God revealed a picture of himself to us. A person others could see, smell, hear and touch. Tangible grace for all of humankind. This month’s verse, Colossians 1:15, tells us: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” By sending His son to walk among us, He gave us an example of how to live. Jesus gave us restoration through His life, through His death, and through the biggest big reveal of them all, His resurrection.

 In sending His son, He gave us Christmas. He revealed himself—the image of the invisible God. He invited us into a new family—the firstborn of all creation. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, united by God the Father. In John 14:9 Jesus says “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

 This month, as we try to stay focused on the King and not the chaos, we invite you to dance in awe of the reason for this season. In the person of Christ, what was revealed about God himself? How does this revelation affect the way you’re walking? Are you walking with Him? What is He revealing to you in the image of the invisible this month? And don’t forget last month. How are you responding?

 Our Father in heaven and the Holy Spirit in our hearts are both working towards one goal: That we might become like Jesus. The more we become like our Lord in character, the more we will live on earth as He lived. Jesus revealed that life to us. The perfect example. If we want to know who God is, all we need to do is look at the life of Christ. What a gift!

Happy Thanksgiving from Turning Pointe Dance

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.   — Psalm 107:1

 It’s Thanksgiving week and we have SO much to be grateful for! While our doors are closed November 22-27, the Turning Pointe staff took the time to share what they’re most thankful for this year. Enjoy the blessings below and the extra time with your families this week. We’ll see you back in the studio November 28!

 “I am thankful for our Turning Pointe teachers and staff who are top notch in every way...from their creativity, heart for the Lord, and care for the students and families...we are SO blessed! I'm also thankful for each family that walks through the doors and for this amazing commUNITY the Lord has built. I'm thankful for the gift of dance and an avenue to express our hearts and worship to the Lord in such a beautiful and personal way.”   — Ms. Tina

 “I am thankful for the Turning Pointe community and for all things pumpkin!!”   — Ms. Sophia

 “I’m thankful for life in Colorado (after moving from Georgia this summer), ballet, and coffee.”   — Ms. Taylor

 “I am thankful for time with family and the ability to all get together!”   — Ms. Lauren

 “I am thankful for a job that brings me joy!”   — Ms. Tonya

 “I am thankful for my family!!”   — Ms. Abby

 “This year, I am thankful for relentless grace and lots of opportunities to learn.”   — Ms. Emma

 “I am thankful for a God who is sovereign over all that happens in our lives.”   — Ms. Jenner

 “I am thankful for my sweet family.”   — Ms. Shani

 “I am thankful for the kindness and love of Jesus!”   — Ms. Sarah

 “I am SO thankful for a studio with incredible staff, quality training, and passionate love of Jesus and people.”   — Ms. Meghan

 “I am thankful for God’s unfailing faithfulness in all the little details.”   — Ms. Mimi

 “I am thankful for the small and large blessings that have occurred recently, it reminds me that life is more than just ‘figuring it out!’”   — Ms. Sara

 “I am grateful for the performing arts, my dance family, and my cats!”   — Ms. Anna

 “I am thankful for the amazing people in my life that continue to put joy into me everyday!”   — Ms. Lyla

 “I am grateful for opportunities to connect with people who remind me of the relentless love of Jesus.”   — Ms. Moriah

 “I am thankful to have family nearby, warm weather, and the opportunity to continue working for such an amazing dance studio!”   — Ms. Tasha

 “I'm so thankful for my wonderful students. They are all so kind, encouraging, hardworking, and talented. They really do make teaching a joy every week!”   — Ms. Emily

 “I am thankful for God’s gracious provision and bounty!”   — Ms. Melissa

Ms. Tina's Favorite Things- Gift Guide

Tis the season!  We know that you are already dreaming of things to give your dancer for Christmas. So we wanted to help out by giving you some ideas! Here are our favorite things this season that would make excellent gifts for dancers of any age.

BOOKS
AbunDANCE Coloring Book
Abundance features more than 40 inviting images, from classic ballets to sparkling costumes, iconic poses to pointe shoes.

Black Ballerinas: My Journey to our Legacy by Misty Copeland
From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland comes an illustrated nonfiction collection celebrating dancers of color who have influenced her on and off the stage. (grades 5-9)

Twirl by Emily Lex
This simply delightful story from watercolor artist Emily Lex encourages children to become exactly who God created them to be, living freely and lightly for Him. (ages 4-8)

Dreaming with God by Sara Beth Marr
God knows the desires of our hearts--he put them there. And he calls us to trust, to lean on him, and sometimes . . . to wait. Weaving together her unique perspective as a professional ballerina with profound truths drawn from Scripture and the life of faith, Sarah Beth Marr reminds us that we are not dreaming alone. If God has given us a dream, we can be sure that he will come alongside us as we work toward realizing it. Using her own story as a catalyst, Marr encourages women to surrender their plans to God, to stay in tempo with his Spirit, and to step into a deeper relationship with Christ. When they do, she says, they will be able to move confidently into the future, knowing that their dreams and God's desires are aligned in perfect harmony. This beautiful book will encourage any middle grade to college or beyond dancer!

 Braver, Stronger, Smarter by Sissy Goff With everything our teenagers are facing today, I can’t recommend these books enough for girls, teens, and parents!

I am LOVING this dance store called Pointe Brush...take a look at some of the fun things they have to offer for dancers:
Journals

Mugs

And Prints

DANCE CONVENTION
Give your dancer the gift of going to a dance convention and learning more! We recommend Dance Revolution, a Christian dance convention!  “We provide excellence in the journey while seeking to help dancers see purpose within themselves. It will be 2 and a half days that will shift your gift! Dance Revolution Dance Conventions offer more classes and events then any other convention of its kind. Dance Revolution has been traveling the country since 2001 transforming performing artists from city to city and changing the face of dance!”

DANCE GEAR
Every dancer loves having some new gear to keep them warm, enhance their class time, or practice at home. 

Apolla Shocks
These dance socks give the benefit of a shoe, but comfort of a sock! Apolla offers patented compression socks providing incredible comfort and support for your arches and ankles.

Bloch Kids Warm Up Boot/Slipper
Worn by dancers worldwide, Warm Up Booties keep feet warm without the need to remove one's ballet shoes. Encasing feet in a softly padded, durable rip-stop nylon, the booties not only protect the foot but offer longevity to ballet shoes. A velcro strap secures the booties whilst the padded outsole is covered in a non-slip PVC.

Theraband
We specifically suggest the “Plumband Stretch band for dance and ballet”. It's a strong, elastic stretch band made from one continuous loop of premium grade natural rubber with the perfect thickness and resistance for the strength and flexibility training required in ballet and dance. And its loop design lets you focus on position and proper technique while stretching with your arms and upper body free. This is helpful for intermediate to advanced dancers. 

TP Logowear is always a great gift for your dancer! Get 20% off on the 20th of the month!

Hopefully these ideas will help you as you start to look for meaningful gifts this season.  May your holidays be merry and bright! 

Step Right Up!

Fidele Youth Dance Company culminates eighth season with three performances of “LionHeart”

 Come one, come all! Step right up and see the most amazing show on earth! Members of Fidele Youth Dance Company hope to dazzle and delight as they bring their eighth season to it’s peak with “LionHeart” this weekend at the Wasson Academic Campus Auditorium.

 An original stage adaptation of The Lady and the Lionheart, a Christian fiction novel written by award-winning author Joanne Bischof, “LionHeart” brings two worlds together as the 1890s traveling circus comes to small-town Virginia. And while it will be performed live on stage for just three ticketed performances, it’s a production almost a year in the making.

 “It was a surreal moment, when just a few days before Christmas, a message came in from the director of a dance company for children and young adults in Colorado Springs, inquiring about the possibility of adapting The Lady and the Lionheart for the stage,” Bischof wrote on her blog. “My answer?? YES! Not only for the chance to see Charlie and Ella and the whole circus troupe in live action, but because of the heart and purpose behind the dance company — one that encourages children and teens in the performance arts while also sharing the gospel through their yearly productions.”

 With their mission of impacting the community for His Kingdom through the arts in mind, FYDC ran away to join the circus with Bischof’s gospel-woven words as their guide.

 “Obviously we’ve had to adapt a few things,” FYDC Director Mimi McKinnis said. “As a dance company, we don’t use any dialog, so rather than saying things or writing out some of the character’s memories, we get to show them. It’s been a beautiful challenge, but as we come closer to the final performance, I’m incredibly proud of the end result.”

 Many of the book’s details lent themselves perfectly to the stage, from colorful characters to folk dances and circus acts. More than that, the book’s message of God’s love and sacrifice lent itself perfectly to the company’s mission and heart.

 “I loved so many of the details in the book, and as I was reading it, I could see them coming to life,” McKinnis said. “Joanne painted such a vivid picture with her words, and we’ve kept it all in mind from including aerialists in the lion taming act to the tally mark scratches representing the days in Charlie’s contract. What I loved most of all, though, was the message behind the Big Top. The message that we’re not the Charlie of our stories. We’re not defined by what the world sees or says. We’re the Hollands, born again, perfect and new in His eyes because of His sacrifice that set us free. It’s a message that we’re so blessed to tell, and a story we hope will leave a lasting impact on our audience.”

 Spectators have three chances to catch the production, Saturday, November 13 at 2 or 6 p.m., or a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, November 14. Fans of the book might even catch a glimpse of Bischof herself in the crowd after making the journey from California to see the production.

 “To know that a story I had the joy of being able to write down has now sparked the creativity of others is one of the greatest honors I could have dreamed of,” Bischof wrote on her blog. “And when the curtain officially goes up later this year? My mom and I are already planning a road trip to Colorado Springs so that we don’t miss it! And good news! Their productions are recorded so there will be a chance for anyone to watch it online from the comfort of your own home.”

 The production will be filmed on stage throughout the company’s technical and dress rehearsals to create a digital viewing experience, making the production available worldwide. LionHeart Online will premiere on Friday, December 3. Remote spectators are encouraged to make a night of the digital streaming with a LionHeart Watch Party Kit, which includes a downloadable copy of the show’s Playbill, an intermission devotion and testimony written by Nahum Young, who plays Charlie Lionheart on stage, and make-at-home recipes inspired by the book from the LionHeart Menu, created exclusively for FYDC by Chef Leta Chrisman.

 “COVID was rough, but I’m so glad we were able to take the tools of digital performance away from last season,” McKinnis said. “The message and the weight of this story are so important, we want to use all the means at our disposal to reach as many hearts as possible.”

 To purchase tickets to LionHeart, preorder the digital production or request a Watch Party Kit, visit FideleYouthDanceCompany.com. For more information on Bischof or The Lady and the Lionheart, visit https://joannebischof.com.