Juline Junior Company to display its talents this weekend

The Junior Company at Juline School of Dance is readying for its first solo shows this week, aptly named "The Junior Company In Performance."

The dances will surely keep audiences entertained, with costumes ranging from cowgirl hats to romantic tutus typical of ballet. The styles include everything from tap to contemporary.

"We're doing six pieces," said dancer Noelle Im, 14, who is home-schooled. "The show is a mixture of a bunch of different dance styles. We've all been rehearsing really hard for this show, and I'm looking forward to putting our hard work on the stage."

Lauren Robinson, 15, a sophomore at Beyer High School, said: "The best part about participating in the Junior Company is that it allows dancers like me to have the opportunity to perform on stage.

"The show has a piece everybody will enjoy."

The Junior Company was founded in 2008 with seven dancers. This year, the number has been increased to 12, with girls ranging from 12 to 15 years old. The director, Cortney Hurst, choreographed three of the pieces in this week's shows. Guest choreographers include Karen Burns, McGarry Cavin and Tara Morton.

The Juline Foundation for Children, with which the Junior Company is involved, is a nonprofit organization aiming to provide children with the opportunity to express themselves through dance. The foundation works with children between the ages of 4 and 16, conducting classes and performances in schools and other youth institutions throughout Stanislaus County.

The shows will take place Friday and Saturday at

7:30 p.m. at Johansen High School in Modesto. Tickets for students and seniors are $6, while general admission tickets are $9. Tickets can be purchased at Juline School of Dance or at Johansen High prior to the show.

Maggie White is a freshman at Valley Charter High School and a member of The Bee's Teens in the Newsroom journalism program.