VIN'S PEOPLE: Manatee County’s scholastic dance teams gear up for annual extravaganza

Vin Mannix
·2 min read
“Yes, We Can DANCE,” the annual showcase of Manatee County’s scholastic dance teams, returns Saturday to the Neel Performing Arts Center at State College of Florida.
“Yes, We Can DANCE,” the annual showcase of Manatee County’s scholastic dance teams, returns Saturday to the Neel Performing Arts Center at State College of Florida.

“Yes, We Can DANCE” is back!

The annual showcase of Manatee County’s scholastic dance teams returns Saturday to the Neel Performing Arts Center at State College of Florida, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton.

Showtimes are 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Begun in 2009 and organized by Helen Dolbec, Linda Boone and Kelly Hillman, this year’s extravaganza features the Bayshore Honeybears, Braden River Black Pearls, Braden River Middle School Dance Team, Lakewood Ranch Silver Stars, Lee Lightning Performing Arts, Manatee  Sugar ‘Canes, Manatee School for the Arts Heat, MSA Heat JV, MSA Inferno, MSA Strikers, MSA Turning Pointe Ballet, Parrish Community High Blue Belles, Rowlett Middle Academy Dancers and Southeast Nolettes.

Vin Mannix
Vin Mannix

Tickets purchased from participating teams are $5 for the matinee, $7 for evening.

Tickets purchased at the door are $7 for the matinee, $9 for evening.

Tickets can also be ordered in advance for will-call from Dolbec via email: bhsmabear@verizon.net. Or call or text 941-718-5413.

· By the way, MSA hosts “The SpongeBob Musical” Thursday through Saturday, 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 (students) and $10 (general admission) and available at MSA, 700 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Call 941-721-6800 for details.

· Say it ain’t so! Bruce Braithwaite hit the Big 7-0!

· And Kenny Galbreth hit the Big 4-0!

· National anthem singers for the next-to-last week of Pirates Grapefruit League games at LECOM Park are: Morgan Lawson Tuesday (Phillies), Shea Flood Thursday (Red Sox), and Ayla Mulock Saturday (Orioles).

· Sherri Buete is 39. Again.

· So is Patti Eurice.

· And Jada Thompson.

· Big ups to Braden River High wrestler Jessey Colas, who went an astounding 71-0 this season en route to a Class 2A state championship crown at 182 pounds.

And well done to Pirates wrestler Gage Wiggins, the state runner-up at 160 pounds.

· Jack Ambrogi is 75 years young.

· And Mike Flemming is 74.

· Among Manatee County Public Safety Department’s Emergency Medical Services award recipients were Karleigh Alday, Paramedic of the Year; Craig LaVelle, EMT of the Year; Bryan Stammerjohann, Rookie of the Year; Beth Tucciarone, Trainer of the Year; Tabitha Parker, Jesse P. Stine Award; Latrice Washington, Patient Advocate Award; and Angie Hadlock, Documentation Award.

· And here’s to speedy post-op recoveries for ol’ coaches Joe Kinnan (hip replacement), Dan Schaffer (knee replacement) and Faust DeLazzer (knee replacement).

Vin’s People runs Sundays. Email Vin Mannix at vinspeople@gmail.com. Or call 941-962-5944. Twitter: @vinmannix.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: VIN MANNIX: 'Yes, We Can DANCE' returns at Neel Performing Arts Center