MANSFIELD, Ohio–A welcome break in the workday produced smiles and cheer at Mechanics Bank on Tuesday when the Richland Newhope Dance Troupe debuted their newest routine.
The troupe was invited to perform in the bank’s new “Mechanics Way” facility in an event called “Time For A Break.” Performances at 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. provided a bright spot in the day for those in attendance.
“I think they made everyone’s day here,” said Shelley Seckel, event coordinator at Mechanics Bank. “We’ve been trying to incorporate community events with the new addition, and we’re hoping to host a lot more events in the future.”
Dancers Jessica Reinhart, Yvonne Anderson, Maggie Smith, Sade Smith, Stacy Hively, Andreia White, Ronnie Eatmon and Anthony Holbrook performed a 13-minute routine incorporating many different, modern songs.
Choreographer Aurelio Diaz said for the first time this year the dancers chose every single one of the songs for the routine.
“I was thinking guys, this is getting a little hip-hop,” said Diaz with a laugh. “But it’s great to see the dancers really taking ownership of the routine.”
The Richland Newhope Dance Troupe has been together for six years now, and Tuesday was only their second performance for the year 2015. The group said they try to get together for rehearsals once a week to practice their moves – except for Yvonne Anderson, who makes her ribbon-twirling moves up on the spot.
“That’s all me,” she said with a laugh.
Both performances on Tuesday received a rousing round of applause, and every member of the audience left with a smile on their face.
“I just loved it,” said Seckel. “They have made such a statement here today.”
