'Heroes vs. Villains' thrills audience

By Laurie Gordon
NEWTON — On Friday and Saturday evenings, the stage at Sussex County Community College was transformed into an extravaganza of “Heroes vs. Villains.” That was the title of this year's D'Marge Dance Studio's recital, and the students – ranging from age three through high school seniors-- put on an amazing show.
One of the things that sets D'Marge, which is located in Newton, apart is that it's run by a family. Lori DeVries, of Andover, is the owner, instructs the classes and choreographs the numbers for the recital. When it comes to the recital, it's time for one sensational family tag team. DeVries' daughter, Karlee Ayalisse, her sister Beth Ann Payne and niece, Justine Payne, each takes on certain roles to make the show come together.
The songs and acts were all in keeping with the Heroes vs. Villains theme including Bat Dance where dancers dressed in stunning black costumes dramatically carried out one of the group. Another act, to the song "Daddy is my Superhero," struck a chord with the audience as little girls twirled and jumped.
“The recital is a lot of fun,” said Andrea Nykaza of Stillwater, “We get to hang out back stage with friends then perform.” She performed in a high-energy gymnastics routine to the song “Flash,” and her sister, Adalyn, was in “Best Day” and “Going to Save the World.”
Every act is a highlight, but if several had to stand out it would be the Senior Solos. Graduating high school seniors who have been with the school for years are given the chance to choreograph a number with help from Lori DeVries. Eleanor Hinkes, of Sandyston, performed “Yellow Flicker Beat,” Christiana Antonio, of Fredon, did “All This and Heaven Too,” and Sydney Fucito, of Newton, performed “Rewrite This Story.” Carly Gerth, of Sandyston, was also a graduating senior from the school but prefers to perform with groups.
“My seniors choose their music and style of dance, and I usually agree with their choices,” DeVries said. “If I believe it will be difficult to choreograph I make suggestions.” As to the other numbers, she said, “I usually choreograph the dances with Input and ideas from the dancers. Occasionally I have someone who loves to choreograph then I give the ideas. This years theme was actually suggested last year by Sydney Fucito. I've never had a superhero theme so......and it was fun.”
DeVries selects a Student of the Year and said that this year's was a little different. “Normally I am limited to the dancers eligible to go to Tremaine. I always feel like the younger students miss out.” This year she selected Samantha Ruitenberg, of Hampton, because, “She has the dedication and talent and is always smiling and a pleasure to have in class.” She added, “ I think I might have started a new tradition.“
A Family Business
DeVries and her mother, Connie DeVries, took over ownership of D'Marge in 1984. They kept the name, a combination of the former owners' names, for consistency in the community, but took the school to a new realm, incorporating ballet, tap, jazz, toe shoe dancing and gymnastics all offered in a non-pressure, comfortable teaching setting.
“We did compete for 10 to 14 years,” DeVries said. "We did well but I felt my younger non-competing classes suffered due to my dedication to the competition classes.” The competition aspect of D'Marge stopped and phased into Connie and Lori DeVries' philosophy of, as Lori DeVries said, “strongly believing children should be well rounded. Competing classes would not have time to get involved in other sports, plays, clubs,” she said.
The studio's matriarch, Connie DeVries, died suddenly in May 2013. She was loved by students and families who attended D'Marge, and somehow, just a few weeks after her passing, the family came together to put on the annual recital.
Nora O'Keefe, of Newton, summed up how all the dancers felt as they prepared backstage before the shows. “I love the recital,” she said, “It's just so great.”
Registration for D'Marge's fall classes will be held at the studio, located at 57 Trinity Street, in Newton, on August 30 and 31. The studio prides itself on offering affordable, fun-filled, educational classes for children age through up through adult in disciplines including floor, gymnastics and all forms of dance. For information, call (973) 383-6050 or e-mail dmargedance@gmail.com. You can also find the studio on Facebook.