Around Livermore: School of Dance to perform "Lion King"

Most of the Livermore School of Dance's performers weren't yet born when "The Lion King" debuted in 1994 (which effectively makes me feel ancient), but that won't stop the young cast from giving their all to an upcoming winter performance at the Bankhead Theater based on the popular story.

Director Liz Roberts, who co-owns the dance studio at 1988 Second Street with Shelly Schoendienst, said the jazz company's ninth annual winter performance -- scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 6-7 -- is different from past offerings.

"We've always loved 'The Lion King,' and we just thought it would be something fun," Roberts explained of the group's decision to create a dance performance based on the story. The performance, however, will be unconventional. The group recognizes they are not actors by trade, so the show will feature strictly dancing.

"We're abstracting it so it'll work for a dance show ... we have a whole bunch of fun little things were adding to it to make it exciting," she said.

One of those additions is new music. While the crowd can look forward to old favorites like "Circle of Life" and a spirited rendition of "Hakuna Matata" performed by the studio's younger company dancers, they plan to shake it up with a few unconventional numbers. Perhaps the most exciting will be "Welcome to the Jungle," a high-energy jazz routine featuring fancy tricks.

The music isn't the only update. Roberts and her crew are experimenting with light tricks and new techy techniques to bring new life to the show. She's keeping the efforts a secret for now since nothing has been finalized, but whatever it is promises to enhance the show's visual beauty.

The Le Tableau Magnifique Ballet Company students from Livermore School of Dance will join the ensemble show as well, performing three ballet numbers including a pointe routine to open the second act. With the addition of the second School of Dance company, the show promises variety -- with everything from tap to hip-hop, modern to lyrical.

Jaren Dietsch, 13, who describes the studio as a sort of second home, has taken classes at School of Dance since he was 8. During that time he has participated in many of the group's performances (they don't compete, so they focus on performing year-round), but he sees potential for "The Lion King"-based event to go above and beyond.

"I think this show is going to be more extravagant and flashy than shows in the past because we have lots of new and interesting things planned," he said. "It is an amazing feeling to bring a story that started as nothing to life on a stage completely polished." Fellow student Shastina Wilson, 17, echoed Dietsch's sentiments.

"I think this show is definitely going to be one to remember," she said of their upcoming performance.

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Around Livermore: School of Dance to perform "Lion King"