When DanceHampton embarks on its annual recital and competition showcase this weekend, Kelly Hren will celebrate two milestones: the 15th anniversary of her East Hampton dance studio and the graduation of her daughter, Emma Hren, the studio’s only senior, who has been dancing there since its inception.
The recital is aptly themed “The Time of Our Lives,” which Ms. Hren chose because, she said, having Emma dancing with her for the last 15 years has been the time of her life. Emma, who has studied all the dance disciplines the studio offers, will attend James Madison University in Virginia this fall.
“She is hoping to come back to East Hampton and wants to be a middle or high school math teacher, which is amazing,” said Ms. Hren, who is herself a teacher at the Amagansett School. Whether Emma returns to dance or teach, “that will be amazing, too.”
The recital, with more than 75 students performing, is at East Hampton High School, for the first time in two years. Shows are tomorrow at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. The competition showcase, featuring award-winning routines, will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $20, all general admission, and can be bought at the door.
Ms. Hren said the most important part about dancing isn’t learning the steps, perfecting the technique, or receiving the awards; rather, “It’s about the memories that they have from being in the studio together, the experiences they share, and the friendships and bonds they have. We always say that we’re a family, and even when the graduates move on, they are always still a part of it.”