Footwork Follies 2011 Goes Onstage

"Five, six, seven, eight."

Any dancer who hears this countdown knows it's time to get into position and perform.

Students of Jo's Footwork Studio are doing just that in recitals, which are the culmination of nine months of hard work. Footwork Follies 2011 is showcasing the talents of the dance studio's students. The final performances will be given at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. today, Saturday, at Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St., Lombard.

"It's an opportunity in a theater to show off what they've learned," said Patty DeWitt, a backstage volunteer.

"It's very exciting and so gratifying to see after nine months what our practices have accomplished," said Christine Fagan. Fagan has owned the studio for 14 years and operates it with her husband, John Fagan.

"It's amazing to watch them grow from young kids to now 18 years old and graduating," she said.

For the studio, the recital is ... "for the continual appreciation of the art of dance," said John Fagan.

"I have an unbelievable staff. We're always tweaking the show to make it better," continued Christine Fagan. More than 100 volunteers help to present the show for about 3,000 people for four shows. "It's so organized and a whole group effort. I've had the same staff for 14 years."

The show carries a lot of meaning to parents who support their children's desire to dance. "We sat in the car and thought over every year, every costume, every performance. It's exciting and it goes by too quick," said Jody Billstrom. Her daughter, Tierney, is 10 and has been dancing since she was 3. "I'm amazingly proud."

Emily Matijevich said, "It's nerve-wracking but exciting. We are all obviously really passionate, but it makes you nervous." Matijevich, a Lyons Township High School student, is 17 and has been dancing since she was 7.

Jo's Footwork Studio has had only two owners since it opened for business 27 years ago. The Western Springs studio is open to students of all ages and the age range has a wide berth. "We have 3-year-olds to adult seniors," said Christine Fagan.

John Fagan summed up the performances this way: "It's about showcasing the kids and entertaining the audience. We always like it when they say 'I can't believe what they did.'"