Rize All Story Time Tells A Tale of Love

Rize All Story Time Finale

On December 9th, Elk Grove non-profit Rize All Arts Center put on their 1st winter recital entitled Story Time. Amanda Newsum and Dane San Pedro are the founders of Rize All. The program evolved from an after school program for Elk Grove schools which was so popular that the duo opened a studio in west Elk Grove. Their goal is to help students to gain life skills such as teamwork, understanding, and appreciation through their dance and performance arts programs. This weekend’s recital showcased the skills the students learned in the fall/winter session. Note that Rize All teaches both children and adults. The dance and arts skills of the students of Rize All are, quite simply, phenomenal.

Star Wars Light Saber Battle

The Performance

Story Time was the theme of this season’s Rize All show. The story themes included Frozen, Green Eggs and Ham, Aladdin, Trolls, and Star Wars. Dancers of all different shapes, sizes, and abilities took the stage. From tiny tots donning tutus to adults partner dancing to the Latin music, there was something for everybody. Performances ranged from emotional contemporary pieces to peppy hip hop numbers.

I had some personal favorite numbers during the show. Perfectly timed with the movie release, the Star Wars break dancing number followed by a light saber battle combining light sabers and dancing moves was very unique. The Pinocchio hip hop number was quite something. I never knew children so young could dance hip hop that well! The hula dancers were cute as could be. All the hula dancers were amazing. However, a few little dancers stole the show with their cuteness like the little hula dancer on the far left.

Hula dancers

My husband and I enjoyed the show very much! The Cosumnes Oaks High School Performing Arts Center was the perfect venue. The stage, lights, and backdrops amp up the production value and make the kids feel like they are a part of something big. Rize All helped my 4 year old daughter achieve her dream of dancing on the big stage. She cannot wait for this next season to start!

The Big Surprise

Audience members were delighted when the 6pm showing ended in a sweet surprise! Rize All founders Mr. Dane and Miss Amanda (as the students call them) took the stage for a dance number after the student finale. After the number, Mr. Dane popped the question to Miss Amanda. She said YES! I was filled with delight and awe at having witnessed such a special moment and I’m sure everyone else felt the same. Please join me in congratulating Rize All founders Dane San Pedro and Amanda Newsum on their engagement!!

Join The Rize All Family

The next show will be on May 19, 2018. Rize All will be celebrating their one year anniversary as a studio so they are planning a huge show. The spring show will be the biggest one yet with a Hollywood theme and fancy costumes. Spring session starts January 8 and there is still time to enroll for classes. If you are new to Rize All, you can try your first class for free. There are plenty of classes for kids and a number for adults as well. Enroll HERE.