Allan Hancock College youth dancers will tell the classic tale of Aladdin and his magic lamp through music and dance during their annual Magical Moments and Spring Recital May 4-5 at Santa Maria High School’s Ethel Pope Auditorium, 901 S. Broadway.

“Every spring, as the production draws near, the dancers, instructors and families get more and more excited to perform for the community and to share their love of dance,” said Courtney Grimnes, youth dance director for Allan Hancock College Community Education’s College for Kids Program.

“From our littlest dancers to our graduating seniors, it is such a thrilling opportunity to demonstrate how they’ve grown in their respective fields of dance,” she said. “Everyone has worked so hard in preparation for this enchanting weekend of dance and wish to share it with family, friends, and the community.”

The theme of the Magical Moments production is usually selected solely by the director with support from the show’s lead choreographers, but this year it was the youth dance company’s members who suggested and promoted one of their favorite stories, Aladdin, as the theme.

Their wish was granted.

“The passion for the story was felt by the dancers and choreographers alike, and has transformed into a wonderful tale told through the medium of dance,” Grimnes said.

There are 65 students participating in the Aladdin production, with three graduating seniors from two local high schools featured as the story’s main characters.

Saint Joseph High School senior Ian Perea will perform the role of Aladdin; Ernest Righetti High School senior Madison Correa will perform the role of Jasmin; and Saint Joseph High School Valedictorian Sarah Yamaichi will perform the role of the Genie.

Magical Moments will combine with the annual Spring Recital. The recital will feature some 200 youngsters, ages 3-18, performing a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, and folklórico.

Showtimes for Aladdin are 7 p.m. May 4 and 2 p.m. May 5. Pre-sale tickets are available through May 2 from Allan Hancock College Community Education, bldg. S, on the Santa Maria campus. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children.

For more information about Allan Hancock College Community Education, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/community_education.

— Christopher McGuinness for Allan Hancock College.