Puttin’ On The Ritz Dance Recital Returns to Salem Middle School

Mark your calendars for a night of music, movement, and memories as Puttin’ On The Ritz School of Dance  presents its annual Salem recital on Friday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Salem Middle School. The event is free to the public, and instructors Robin Oaks and Heather Nale are hoping to fill every seat.

A previous performance by Puttin' On The Ritz.

The studio has been a staple in southern Indiana’s dance scene for nearly 40 years. Founded in the summer of 1985 by Robin and her high school best friend, Puttin’ On The Ritz  began as a dream shared by two teenagers working in a local studio.

“We decided as adults we were going to go out on our own,” Robin recalled. “She borrowed the money for the first month’s rent, and we opened a tiny studio in downtown Austin, Indiana.”

They started with just twenty students. Over the years, the studio expanded into multiple towns, including Hanover, Madison, and Salem. Today, Robin still operates studios in Madison and Salem, teaching classes two to three nights a week.

Robin & Heather's youngest group rehearsing at the Gary W. Hartsook hall in Salem.

Her assistant instructor, Heather Nale, has been a part of the team since 2011, when she began teaching as a high school junior. “When my daughter was in high school, Heather was one of her students,” Robin said. “So we just latched onto her.”

This year’s recital theme is “You Better Work,” with routines centered around jobs and occupations. “We’re really excited to get the kids using props to help tell the stories,” Heather said. “We hope it’ll be high energy. The kids are excited. We’re excited.”

Audiences can expect an eclectic mix of dance styles and music, from Disney favorites to country hits and old classics. “I’m very eclectic, so we like to use as many genres as we can,” Robin said.

Students will perform a wide variety of tap, jazz, and ballet numbers, with a grand finale featuring the entire group dancing together. The show is expected to last around 2 to 2 ½ hours.

An older class rehearses.

As for the performers, the youngest dancers are already picking favorites. When asked what they love most about this year’s show, several little girls agreed unanimously: “the Moana song!”

The studio is also preparing for its next season of classes, beginning in August. Enrollment information is available online at danceputtinontheritz.com.

Whether you have a dancer in your family or simply love a good show, you won’t want to miss this free night of talent and community spirit.