The (not so small) World of Destiny Dance Academy
By Shandra Keesecker-Rivero
(Photos courtesy of Destiny Dance Academy)
Tucked into a corner of Plaza Fremont, the unpresuming Destiny Dance Academy is preparing to take on the world…first with a Saturday performance in Puerto Peñasco and then a July trip to California to be part of Disneyland’s “Dance the Magic.” This Saturday (June 15), under the direction of studio owner/dance instructor/choreographer Marisa Arellano Velázquez, the nearly 40 students of Destiny Dance Academy will put on two performances (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) at the Municipal Auditorium as part of their “It’s a Small World” end of course extravaganza. The 18 pieces, representing 14 different countries, will be performed by dancers ranging in age from 3 to 16 and include a glimpse at one of the numbers selected for Disney’s Talent Showcase. Plus, Arellano beams when she recommends people look forward to the Beach Boys number (5 – 7 year olds) plus the academy’s first piece on point (yes, that’s the tippy tippy toes). Don’t miss the Can-Can which launches onto stage right after intermission! (Tickets still available Friday in the lobby of the Municipal Auditorium, as well as at the door on the day of the performances [70 pesos]).
Marisa, who has a strong background in dance herself after beginning with tap and ballet at the age of 3, has been part of Destiny Dance Academy since she first arrived in Puerto Peñasco in late 2010. First brought on as an instructor, after a year and a half of working with the young dancers Arellano decided to take over the studio herself when the former director and family moved in pursuit of other work opportunities. She proudly explains the school’s forte is ballet, and specifically the Italian straight line style of Checcitti, though they also offer tap, jazz techniques, lyrical dance, and hip hop.
In addition to strengthening dance opportunities within the community of Puerto Peñasco, Arellano has sought to expand her dancers’ worlds by taking some of her girls to a yearly dance convention in Phoenix, Michael Mcbain’s “Hollywood Dance Experience.” 
After going to the convention with some of her dancers for two years, Arellano decided to include them in the competition part of Hollywood Dance Experience this past February. To the delight of all, the academy’s aptly named performance team “Dynamic Performing Co.” brought home three golds and two silvers in the disciplines of jazz, musical theater, jazz trio, and group ballet. The group classical ballet performance to “My favorite things” from the Sound of Music, brought accolades from the judges and, in addition to the gold medal, they were awarded Platinum recognition for choreography, costume, music, and overall performance. This platinum performance was also selected for the Disney Talent Showcase where the company will perform in July!
On July 11th, twelve members from Destiny Dance Academy will be traveling to California to participate in two Disney parades as well as Disney’s Talent showcase. Arellano tells us the Disney folk are thrilled with the opportunity to receive the contingent from Puerto Peñasco as it is the first time a dance studio from Mexico will be part of the parade! It is worth noting Marisa had to send in audition tapes in order to be considered for the Talent Showcase and of the two auditions she sent in of this growing dance troupe from Puerto Peñasco, BOTH of the performances were selected! If you happen to be in Disneyland in July, look for the Destiny Dance Academy in the Disney parade on July 12th and/or at California Adventure on the 13th (both starting around 5 p.m.). Plus, the Talent Showcase will take place on July 14th at Disney’s “Hollywood Backlot.”
As the world of these young dancers continues to expand, be sure to catch Destiny Dance Academy this Saturday at one of their very own “It’s a Small World” performances here in town!
Destiny Dance Academy presentará su fin de curso “Mundo Pequeño” 15 de junio
Por SKR
Ubicado en una esquina de la Plaza Fremont, la academia de danza “Destiny Dance” se prepara para conquistar el mundo … primero con una actuación este sábado en Puerto Peñasco y luego durante un viaje en julio a California para ser parte de Disneyland “Dance the Magic.” Este sábado (15 de junio), bajo la dirección del dueño del estudio, instrctora de baile, y coreógrafa Marisa Arellano Velázquez, los cerca de 40 estudiantes de Destiny Dance Academy se presentarán en dos actuaciones (14:00 y 19:00) en el Auditorio Municipal como parte de su fin de curso “It’s a Small World”. Las 18 piezas, que representan a 14 países diferentes, se llevarán a cabo por los bailarines de edades comprendidas entre 3 a 16 e incluyen una mirada a uno de los números seleccionados para mostrar su talento en Disney. Además, Arellano nos recomienda el numero a la musica de los Beach Boys (realizado por bailarinas de 5-7 años), además de la primera pieza de la academia en el punto (sí, en las puntillas). No te pierdas la Can-Can que se lanza al escenario justo después del descanso! (Boleto 70 pesos: disponibles el viernes, 14 de junio, en el vestíbulo del Auditorio Municipal, así como en la puerta en el día de las presentaciones.