Dancers' Big Night Brings Sold-Out Crowd; Even the Dads Get Down

It was hard to get a seat in the sold-out Hunt Field Community Center in Historic Downtown Murrieta Monday night.

For the 127 dancers enrolled in Miss April's Dance through the City of Murrieta's Community Services Department, it was their night to shine. Each dancer was permitted to invite only two to three guests, as space is limited in the community center.

Even so, audience members waited patiently for the doors to open just before 6 p.m., as the line wrapped its way around the perimeter of the building. Many held flowers for the stars of the night. Lillian Bachor came to watch her 5-year-old granddaughter Sierra Bachor in a ballet and tap number.

"It was so hard to get these tickets because there is only so much room," Bachor said, as she held pink mini-carnations she would offer to Sierra at the end of the night.

According to her grandmother, Sierra has been enrolled in the classes for two years, starting as a 4-year-old.

"She practices the steps in front of us each week--and then some," Bachor said.

The recital would be the culimination of seven weeks of classes, with students ranging from toddlers to adults and styles ranging from ballet and tap to funk and lyrical.

Tina Padilla would be dancing later that night, as would her 12-year-old daughter, Natalie. Padilla is enrolled in the adult class, and Monday she had her tap shoes ready to go.

"I've never tapped before this; it's hard," the 51-year-old Padilla said. She wore a red flower in her hair as part of her costume.

"The ladies in there, we have a lot of fun."

As the doors opened, seats filled up fast. The evening had a Mardi Gras theme, and was titled "I've Got the Music in Me."

Miss April--April Vidal--reminded everyone that the dancers had only practiced for a total of three and a half hours. Classes are 30 minutes long, once a week for seven weeks.

Eight-year-old Adam Barron showed his excitement. He would be performing with the 7- to 10-year-old funk class. His costume was easy--a black T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. Girls, however, wore sequins and shiny costumes, adding glamour to the night.

For Wildomar dad Mike Paddie, it would be a new experience. His daughter, Emma, 6, is enrolled in ballet. Somehow, Paddie said he got talked into joining Dad's Dance Mix. He was to perform in the final number of the night, wearing a wig and getting down with a group of other dads.

"It's my first time doing anything like this. I got roped into it," Paddie said. "But if my daughter wants me to keep doing it, I will."

The line-up also inlcuded guest appearances from Murrieta Valley High School's Big Red Dance Team and the school's Varsity Nighthawk Dance Team.

To top off the night, each dancer received an individually-wrapped gift from Temecula-based Trujillo & Trujillo Law Firm. According to office manager Debbie Beerer, the firm makes a point to sponsor many youth in the community.

To find out about Miss April's dance classes, visit the City's Recreation registration website. Classes start up again April 25.

View the accompanying gallery to see photos of the dancers' big night.