It's showtime for the 35th consecutive year for Marcia Sarosik's Shining Stars

Over 200 dancers of all ages graced the stage at Harrah's Tahoe during each show of the Marcia Sarosik Dance Studio last weekend as the annual recitals opened up to full houses. The shows continued Saturday, April 28.

The opening night is still being talked about, especially the opening number, The Greatest Show on Earth, though details are being kept secret until all have seen the show. Other numbers include Put a Little Love in Your Heart, Catch a Falling Star, Sit Still Look Pretty, Bitter and Sweet Symphony, True Colors and Buenos Aires.

"Miss Marcia," as she's known to most of the town, started teaching in 1979 with classes at the SLT Recreation Center, and opened her studio in 1983. Since then, thousands have walked through her doors to learn jazz, tap, classical and point ballet, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop and couples. And because of the length of time in the community, Marcia is now on second generations. Some of her students have graduated and come back to help train that next generation including Heather Dominguez and Angelicka Bravo-Cazares, both who grew up in the Sarosik Dance Studio.

The dads of students also join in the fun of recital season and now have the largest dad/daughter performance group in the country. This year, 16 dads of high school students and 34 dads of the younger set will perform to "Heroes."

Pre-school ages students are always a hit on the stage, and something Marcia does differently is have them on the stage by themselves. Most studios will have this age group perform with a teacher, but the unique presentation in South Lake Tahoe is their introduction to live theater.

The shows also include Bijou Ballet students. Marcia is her eighth year of teaching classes at the school and for 2018 there are over 30 dancers performing.

"I am always thrilled to be in the Harrah's showroom with their fabulous lighting crews," said Marcia. "They work hard to make out stars shine."

She also wants to thank the many volunteers who help put on the annual recitals from those working in tickets sales to the production people.

"There are tons of volunteers for which I am eternally grateful," said Marcia.

Outside of the recitals, dancers from her studio just returned from workshops where they won scholarships to take dance training this summer. Zyena Tolhurst, a junior at South Tahoe High, was chosen to attend summer training at a prestigious performing arts school.

More information about the Marcia Sarosik Dance Studio can be found on http://marciasarosikdancers.com/.