Bright Lights

Afternoon Show
Saturday, May 16, 2026 · 2:00 PM
Mechanicsburg Middle School

Artistic Director's Note

The 2025–2026 dance season has truly been one for the books. This year, we expanded into a second studio space and literally filled Studio A with mums and subs from our fundraisers in October. We also hosted our very first Young Choreographers Showcase, celebrating the creativity and accomplishments of our talented student choreographers.

Some of our advanced tap students had the incredible opportunity to travel to Philadelphia for a master workshop with nationally renowned professional tap dancers. Throughout the year, our students performed at a wide range of venues, including Silver Spring Personal Care Center, local women's luncheons, the Carlisle Army War College, West Shore Country Club, Harrisburg's Fire & Ice Festival, as well as various churches and schools. They also brought joy to audiences through performing selections from The Nutcracker at an impressive 17 Christmas teas at Chef de Crepe.

After an eight-year hiatus, our Dance Ministry Ensemble returned with a beautiful production of Ruth. In addition, we reached an exciting milestone by surpassing 300 students in our weekly dance classes, serving families from Cumberland, York, Perry, and Dauphin counties.

Of course, the year wasn't without its challenges and funny moments. We encountered our first (and hopefully only!) mouse in the studio in 18 years, along with frozen pipes and an unusual number of plumbing issues across both studio spaces. Despite these hurdles, it has been a season full of growth, resilience, and memorable achievements.

The theme of this year's recital is "Bright Lights." I encouraged the staff to draw inspiration from New York City and Broadway, as well as to reflect on the broader idea of light as they choreographed their pieces. This year, our staff have also shared a few notes about their work, which you can read later in the recital program.

As the curtain rises and the lights begin to shine, we celebrate not only the performances you're about to see, but the dedication, growth, and heart that brought each dancer to this stage. Every step, every rehearsal, and every challenge has helped shape a season that reflects the very best of who we are as a studio. Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting these dancers as they step into the spotlight—may they shine brightly, with confidence, joy, and a love for dance that continues long after the final bow.

With gratitude,

director
Kirsten Kline
Owner / Artistic Director

Acknowledgements

A note of thanks from Kirsten Kline

As you can imagine, no big event such as a recital happens because of me alone. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank those who are making today possible…

  • Kim Magee & Becky Noss — Gym/Class Managers
  • Terry Magee — Sales Manager
  • Laura Tasker & Suzannah Melhorn — Stage Managers
  • Kathryn Belanger — Curtains
  • The Kline Brothers — Video Production
  • Cheryl Hock — Dancer Check-In
  • Helen & Charity — Stage Background
  • The Reverence Studios Staff
  • The Reverence Studios Students, Student Leaders & Studio Families
  • The Mechanicsburg Area School District & Mechanicsburg School Police

And to God who generously gives all things.

Cover Design Contest

10:00 AMAbigail Hanes
2:00 PMEleya Brymesser
Runners-up
Roslyn Thomas
Lillan Harris
Suhani Raj

Performance Lineup

1 Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Music: Super Simple Songs Choreography: Kirsten Kline Class: Tuesday Tiny Twirlers
Dancers: Mia Andreoli, Emerson Clark, Emma Farrell, Arlene Hoover, Myla Miller, Bethany Rice, Noelle Rice, Ruthie Stewart, Lyla Wolff
2 City on Our Knees
Music: TobyMac Choreography: Tiffani Johnson Class: Ballet 3
Dancers: Kaylee Asper, Eleya Brymesser, Trinity Byerly, Aria Carlen, Keira Carmichael, Abigail Hanes, Kaylee Hock, Rosella Grace Myers, Charlotte Sierer, Elliana Slabaugh, Leah Wenger
3 Watch Her Glow
Music: Anike Choreography: Aubrey Pepper Class: Beginner Youth Hip Hop
Dancers: Katherine Bitz, Ariana Freeland, Tyla Mason, Miracle Meikle, Annabella Sambolin, Prahkriti Sharma, Madeline Smith
4 Neon
Music: Livingston Choreography: Summer Gohn & The Seniors Class: Senior Dance
Dancers: Maddie Clark, Taylor Manos, Julianna Saylor, Teagan Sierer, Emily Stauffer
5 Take Off
Music: Derek Minor feat. Ty Brassel, Canon & K.B Choreography: Paige Shaul Class: Hip Hop 2
Dancers: Ella Barber, Trinity Byerly, Alexandra Earley, Katelyn Earley, Abigail Hanes, Aleena Haines, Eleanor Hinder, Evelin Huffman, Rebecca Johnson, Kylie Kinsey, Annabelle Klinepeter, Aliyah Melhorn, Kaelynn Metzler, Emily Stauffer, Naomi Zilka
6 Lights Shine Bright
Music: TobyMac Choreography: Alexia Kaplin Class: Acro 4
Dancers: Lainey Book, Lillian Harris, Kylie Kinsey, Kate Koppenhaver, Bethany Melhorn, Alaina Momose, Cora Smith, Hannah Stauffer
7 Sun of My Soul
Music: Shine Choreography: Laura Tasker Class: (Keith & Kristyn Getty and Sandra McCracken)Wednesday AM Tiny Twirlers
Dancers: Cali Rae Clark, Evelynn DeRusseau, Avalon Hurley, Annika Kennedy, Isabelle Robinson, Ellie Shughart, Verity Tasker, Aurora Zeigler
8 I’ll Sing for You
Music: Ben Fuller Choreography: Melia Powell Class: Worship Dance
Dancers: Jasmine Alvarado, Aria Carlen, Keziah Dever, Abigail Eby, Naomi Eby, Leigh Emery, Sadie Fisher, Abigail Hanes, Laraina Hanes, Aliana Johnson, Kaelynn Metzler, Lucy Netznik, Ashlyn Noss, Caylin Rudy, Teagan Sierer, Vivienne Tate, Jordyn Winterborne
9 Memory
Music: Cats Cast Recording Choreography: Laura Tasker Class: Ballet 2A
Dancers: Selah Connelly, Madelyn Hock, Lyla Kramer, Madeline Lewis, Elynn McCann, Suhani Raj, Madelyn Thorn, Kaavya Vangala, Katelyn Watkins
10 Dusty Bibles
Music: Josiah Queen Choreography: Summer Gohn Class: Contemporary 4
Dancers: Ella Barber, Kayla Breach, Eliana Brown, Maddie Clark, Emma Eckel, Sadie Fisher, Abigail Hanes, Evelyn Hynes, Aliyah Melhorn, Kaelynn Metzler, Juliana Saylor, Teagan Sierer, Lillianna Taylor, Alyssa Wenger, Renee Wouna Mballa
11 When I Get My Name in Lights Theater Dance
Choreography: Kennedy Urbanavage
Dancers: Isabelle Boerman, Karis Boes, Sunny Bogdan, Olivia Crisp, Quinn Duong, Tyla Mason, Addison Morrison, Sloane Nanovic, Evelyn Parrish, Lizzy Tate, Jordyn Winterborne
12 When I Fall
Music: Katy Nichole Choreography: Paige Shaul Class: Contemporary 3
Dancers: Eleya Brymesser, Keira Carmichael, Natalie Coleman, Keziah Dever, Abigail Fauth, Norah Gardner, Lillian Harris, Eva Hasanbhai, Elyse Hock, Evelin Huffman, Bethany Melhorn, Rosella Grace Myers, Nina Phillipkosky, Julia Robinson, Charlotte Sierer, Cora Smith, Hannah Stauffer, Katelyn Watkins, Leah Wenger
13 The Light in the Piazza
Music: Light in the Piazza Choreography: Aubrey Pepper Class: Pointe 2
Dancers: Eliana Brown, Maddie Clark, Belinda Johnson, Lauren Lefever, Renee Wouna-Mballa
14 He Lei Papahi No Lilo a me Stitch
Music: Lilo & Stitch Soundtrack Choreography: Kirsten Kline Class: Saturday Shining Stars Ballet
Dancers: Josephine Brasch, Viera Freitas, Pardis Hadizadeh, Evelynne Harbold, Gwendolyn McAdoo, Michaela McAdoo, Grace Robertson, Annabelle Shetron, Sutton Shirey, Claire Stein, Katie Thomas, Addie Wiswell, Aria Wolfe
15 Here Come the Grannies
Music: Bluey Soundtrack Choreography: Laura Tasker Class: Wednesday Shining Stars Tap
Dancers: Rhett Diemler, Elliana DeRusseau, Emilia DeRusseau, Thea Kilmer, Myla Mixell, Natalie Munsch, Ruby Reinert, Sophia Richardson, Adalynn Stum, Audrey Sundholm, Everly Tasker
16 Seize the Day/King of New York
Music: Newsies Choreography: Helen Wiley Class: Tap 2
Dancers: Olivia Crisp, Sofia Elson, Gabriella Meikle, Oakley Myers, Lucy Netznik, Lucy Smith; Featuring: Belinda Johnson and Rebecca Johnson
17 Your Ur Own Star
Music: American Girl Choreography: Alexia Kaplin Class: Acro 2
Dancers: Liliana da Silva, Carolyn Daman, Ariana Freeland, Laney Herbinko, Elyse Hock, Madelyn Hock, Taryn Knaub, Meira Lyons, Kylie Miller, Jocelyn Ney, Nina Philipkosky, Lizzie Tate
18 Sleuths
Music: Murder, She Wrote Theme Song Choreography: Kirsten Kline Class: Wednesday Homeschool Acro 1
Dancers: Chloe Cromer, Rylee Ensminger, Olivia Hernandez, Sophia Hernandez, Aviana Lamma, Noelle Minnick, Sophia Preciado, Abigail Raudenbush, Madeleine Richardson, Araya Short, Kiana Short, Prisca Wilcock
19 The Stars and Stripes Forever
Music: John Philip Sousa Choreography: Anna Masters Class: Ballet 5
Dancers: Alyvia Asper, Aliya Brown, Eliana Brown, Maddie Clark, Belinda Johnson, Lauren Lefever, Renee Wouna Mballa
20 Light On the Mountain
Music: Amanda Cook Choreography: Alexia Kaplin Class: Acro 3
Dancers: Karis Boes, Rebekah Eby, Norah Gardner, Kaylee Hock, Evelin Huffman, Annabelle Klinepeter, Evelyn Koppenhaver, Mathilda Koppenhaver, Josie Lyons, Juliana Saylor, Melody Saylor, Madeline Smith, Audrey Thumma
21 In the Stars
Music: Benson Boone Choreography: Alexia Kaplin Class: Acro 4
Dancers: Lainey Book, Lillian Harris, Kylie Kinsey, Kate Koppenhaver, Bethany Melhorn, Alaina Momose, Cora Smith, Hannah Stauffer
22 Consider the Stars
Music: Keith & Kristyn Getty Choreography: Laura Tasker Class: Wednesday Shining Stars Ballet
Dancers: Rhett Diemler, Elliana DeRusseau, Emilia DeRusseau, Thea Kilmer, Myla Mixell, Natalie Munsch, Ruby Reinert, Sophia Richardson, Adalynn Stum, Audrey Sundholm, Everly Tasker
23 Primo Racconto
Music: Lino Capra Vaccina, Mai Mai Mai Choreography: Kara Schmidt Class: Student Leaders
24 There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow
Music: Richard Sherman Choreography: Kirsten Kline Class: Saturday Shining Stars Tap
Dancers: Josephine Brasch, Viera Freitas, Pardis Hadizadeh, Evelynne Harbold, Gwendolyn McAdoo, Michaela McAdoo, Grace Robertson, Annabelle Shetron, Sutton Shirey, Claire Stein, Katie Thomas, Addie Wiswell, Aria Wolfe
25 Jazz 2
Choreography: Helen Wiley
Dancers: Sofia Elson, Hailey Harris, Sadie Jans, Tyla Mason, Gabrielle Meikle, Bethany Melhorn, Nina Phillipkosky, Suhani Raj
26 Barbie Girl
Music: Henry Smith Choreography: Summer Gohn Class: Pointe 1
Dancers: Aliya Brown, Eliana Brown, Chloe Concannon, Emma Eckel, Esther Gilbert, Lillian Harris, Evelyn Hynes, Alena Maydwell, Kaelynn Metzler, Alyssa Wenger
27 Endless Night
Music: The Lion King Broadway Soundtrack Choreography: Kirsten Kline Class: Wednesday Homeschool Ballet 1
Dancers: Chloe Cromer, Fallon Doering, Rylee Ensminger, Olivia Hernandez, Sophia Hernandez, Aviana Lamma, Noelle Minnick, Sophia Preciado, Abigail Raudenbush, Madeleine Richardson, Araya Short, Kiana Short, Prisca Wilcock
28 Arrival of the Birds
Music: Cinematic Orchestra Choreography: Anna Masters Class: Ballet 2B
Dancers: Kaitlynn Albright, Madilynn Albright, Bryanna Barnes, Jocelyn Barnes, Abigail Eby, Naomi Eby, Mathilda Koppenhaver, Tyla Mason, Gabriella Meikle, Miracle Meikle
29 Music of the Night
Music: Phantom of the Opera Choreography: Summer Gohn Class: Ballet 4
Dancers: Jasmine Alvarado, Aliya Brown, Eliana Brown, Chloe Concannon, Emma Eckel, Esther Gilbert, Lillian Harris, Evelyn Hynes, Taylor Manos, Angel Matthews, Alena Maydwell, Aliyah Melhorn, Kaelynn Metzler, Alyssa Wenger
30 It’s Quiet Uptown
Music: Hamilton Choreography: Aubrey Pepper Class: Contemporary 2
Dancers: Cossette Johnson, Mataya King, Tyla Mason, Elynn McCann, Sloane Nanovic, Evelyn Parrish, Caylin Rudy, Cassandra Sadler, Lucy Smith, Vivienne Tate
31 Gentoo
Music: Kingpinguin Choreography: Kennedy Urbanavage Class: Adult Contemporary
Dancers: Maddie Clark, Christine Danielowicz, Olivia Hopkins, Suzannah Melhorn, Rachel Secrist, Kelly Smith
32 Northstar
Music: Sondae Choreography: Faith Diethrich Class: Jazz 3
Dancers: Alyvia Asper, Ellianna Backert, Esther Gilbert, Abigail Hanes, Kylie Kinsey, Kate Koppenhaver, Lauren Lefever
33 Shining Star
Music: Earth, Wind & Fire Choreography: Paige Shaul Class: Tap 3
Dancers: Bryanna Barnes, Jocelyn Barnes, Eleya Brymesser, Rebecca Johnson, Miracle Meikle, Ashlyn Noss, Nina Phillipskosky
34 Puttin' On the Ritz-Electro Swing Mix
Music: Betty Boom & J Fitz Choreography: Paige Shaul Class: Tap 4
Dancers: Maddie Clark, Alexandra Earley, Belinda Johnson, Lauren Lefever, Sydney Lefever, Kaelynn Metzler, Alyssa Wenger
Finale
All Dancers