GALT, CA (MPG) - Galt Dance Center took its supporters on a journey down memory lane as it marks its 30th anniversary. 

The dance school’s recital on June 15 revived pieces from its performance history.

The callbacks ranged from the ’90s to the 2000s to the last recital in 2022. The earliest piece was a tap routine performed to the quintessential swing number, “Sing, Sing, Sing,” by Benny Goodman, which the center first staged in 1995 and again in 2004.

The opening ballet performance was first shown in 2006 and the closing dance was from 2001.

Before a record crowd at Vernon E. Greer Elementary School, more than 60 dancers showcased the skills they have built in ballet, tap and hip-hop.

Galt Dance Center owner Dorothy Delgado said 360 tickets were sold and the school auditorium was packed with family, friends and other supporters of the students.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute. I can’t believe time has gone so fast. And the kids have been wonderful,” said Delgado, who has organized 16 recitals since opening the school. “So I just feel really blessed to have been doing this for 30 years and be able to keep the business during COVID and after COVID, so I’m thrilled to have such a wonderful show tonight.”

Delgado said she selected the pieces from the dance school’s past based on songs she enjoyed and the level of the dancers. 

She retooled some dances originally choreographed for groups of three or four so they would work for groups of nine or more.

Five dancers performed solos, dancing to selections from ballets including “The Sleeping Beauty” and “Giselle.” 

While some of the dances were from Delgado’s repertoire and others were found online, they were all chosen to highlight each dancer’s strengths.

“The girls helped each other and they encouraged each other, and beyond my wildest expectations, they would study film and … it was amazing,” Delgado said. “They just got better and better, and the self-motivation was incredible to watch.”

Delgado said her students, regardless of whether they pursue dance as a career, develop self-discipline, responsibility, and listening and motor skills. 

In addition, she said, “they get the self-confidence builder of being afraid or shy and then realizing they’ve put on a performance and everyone loved it.”

Delgado hopes to keep teaching dance to local children.

“I hope to continue dancing for several more years. I love the honor of working with these students and the privilege of teaching them to dance,” Delgado said. 

For more about Galt Dance Center, visit galtdancecenter.com.