The75¢
Vol. 7/Number 31

Harrison Report

A Home Town Media Group weekly publication serving the Town of Harrison
www.hometwn.com

June 29, 2007

8 • THE HARRISON REPORT July 17, 2009

The Cheetah Girls performed in the second half of the show.

On Sunday, June 14, the 6th annual
Magical Movements School of Dance(MMSD) recital brought the worldof Disney TV, movies, Broadwayshows, and theme park attractions tothe Harrison Performing Arts Centerwith colorful costumes and musicalfavorites.
As usual, the program was broken
into two halves, based on the ages ofthe students. The ﬁrst half included
children, as young as 2 years-old,
who warmed the audience’s hearts.
There were classics like Pinocchio
and Alice in Wonderland, songs
from The Magic Kingdom’s Piratesof the Caribbean and The Enchanted
Tiki Room, and more contemporary

A group of girls dress as Mary Poppins for the performance.

movie hits like Cars. Part I wouldn’t
have been complete without MMSD’s
traditional ﬁnale - the parade ofdancers. This year’s performance
had a surprise visit from epitome ofDisney - Mickey Mouse.
The second half featured the moreseasoned dancers. From our favorite princesses and Mary Poppins,
to The Cheetah Girls and HighSchool Musical, the program transcended through Disney history. Theshow also
included a theatricaldance duet, or duel rather, between
Linda Francica, who was Cruella De
V il (wig and all) and student Jessica Sensi. Everyone was in aweof a classical ballet performanceby instructor/ ballerina Anna Haven
as Esmeralda. The audience got akick out of Mickey making his way
through the aisles, greeting children,
while students made quick costumechanges backstage. The recital concluded with two ﬁnales, as eachclass performed an excerpt from theirdance piece.
Although MMSD Director Linda
Francica choreographed 28 pieces inthe show, she was happy to bring in
the works of two new instructors -Emily Anne Smith, an actress/singer/
songwriter, and Manhattanville alum
Krystal Gambino. As in the past fewyears, instructor Anna Haven broughtin her ballet expertise.

Instructor Anna Haven (right) has been bringing
her ballet expertise for years now.

10 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 23, 2010

Magical Movements
brings Vegas lights to Blind Brook

The sights and sounds of Las Vegas cameto the stage as Magical Movements presented its 7th annual dance concert “Viva LasVegas” on June 13 at the Blind Brook HighSchool Auditorium. Under the direction ofLinda Francica, Magical Movements shared
the many facets of Vegas – its hotels, entertainment and attractions, both old and new.
Younger students were a part of the ﬁrst
show. A precious group of 2- and 3-yearolds in red tutus and gold tiaras waved theirwands for a magic show. The audience
was transported to a gondola ride at The
Venetian, a Cher concert, and A Little White

Chapel – the six brides missed the adorable
groom, who couldn’t help but wait in thewings. Country girls danced to Copland’sclassic “Hoe-Down,” which brought folks toThe Bellagio Fountains. For the ﬁrst time,
there was an all-boys class, whose hip-hopping and dice shaking was a delight. PartI concluded with a Magical Movements’tradition – a “choo-choo” train ﬁlled withbright, colorful costumed children singing,marching and smiling to Elvis’s “Viva Las
Vegas.”Part II’s cast took the stage later that afternoon. From Liberace and Wayne Newtonto Cirque du Soleil and Abba, students
and families saw the artistry of the uniqueplace. It also showcased the new musical theater class which instructor Krystal
Gambino introduced to Magical Movements
last fall. Their Broadway dance numbers,
complete with fringes, silver sequins, andtop hats were crowd-pleasers. The concert
ended with another Elvis hit, as each classdanced excerpts from their recital pieces.
As the students accepted much applausefrom their family and friends, they also bid
farewell to Ms. Krystal, who will begin
her PhD in physical therapy at Seton Hall
University. Through much time and effort,
the students had a fun experience, whilelearning about an American city, sharing its
history, beauty and bright way-of-life.