Entering its 31^st year of operation, Center Stage School of Performning Arts is finalizing registration for the 2012-13 dance year. Classes are filling up and schedules are solidifying, but there is still plenty of room for new dance family members, and Center Stage encourages interested families to join them for one of three remaining registration dates to see what Center Stage has to offer.

This year, Center Stage is expanding to offer a second studio at STARS Theater and Art Center in the historic downtown Fuquay district, which has allowed for more classes and a wider variety of classes than in previous years. New offerings include tumbling for dancers, advanced hip hop classes, and creative movement for younger dancers.

Registration will be available on Wednesday, Aug. 29 from 4-8 p.m. at the Fuquay studio on Broad Street in downtown Varina, and on Thursday, Aug. 30 from 4-8 p.m. at the Garner studio at 411 Coldwater Drive. Parents can register for both Fuquay-Varina and Garner classes at either registration site. Families can also call the Garner studio at 779-5242 to inquire about class openings if they cannot make those two sessions.

Supplemental tryout sessions for the jazz and clogging teams will take place on Aug. 29 and 30. For more information about either of these team programs, please call the Garner studio at 779-5242.

Senior Dancer Charla Perry

Charla Perry has been dancing most of her young life, beginning 15 years ago when she was three years old, and all 15 have been with Center Stage. Charla attended Garner Senior Magnet High School and was very active in the dance program there as well. “I love how you can express the way you feel about anything through your body movements,” Charla says. “It is an outlet for me whenever I am down about something.” Charla’s favorite style of dance is jazz, but she feels she is strongest when she is performing in a contemporary dance. Outside of the studio, her favorite activities are excercising and shopping, and her future plans include a year at NC Central before she auditions with the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Her words of wisdom to her fellow Center Stage dancers are: “Never stop taking ballet. It may seem boring, but it will benefit you in the long run. And have fun at Center Stage because some of my best memories were made there!”

Senior Dancer Anna Garrett

Headed to ECU in Greenville, North Carolina, Anna Garrett danced at Center Stage Academy of Performing Arts for five years. Prior to moving to Fuquay-Varina from Owensboro, Kentucky, Anna danced for two years at the Lila Jean School of Dance. Anna’s favorite style of dance is lyrical, and it is probably her strongest style as well. In addition to participation on Center Stage’s Junior Jazz Team, Anna danced in musical theater productions at Fuquay-Varina High School where she attended for four years. She really loves theater when she’s not dancing. “I love dance,” Anna explains, “because it helps me let go of everyday stresses.” Anna’s favorite dancer is Cheryl Burke of Dancing with the Stars fame, and she plans to continue dancing at ECU. Anna advises her fellow dancers to “continue dancing and work hard!”

Center Stage Performing Arts Academy is headquartered in Garner, with a second studio located on Broad Street in Fuquay-Varina. Both locations offer a full complement of dance and performance classes. For more information about their class offerings or the team program, call Wren Peele at the Garner studio at 779-5242.