December 13, 2009

Among the hustle and bustle of holiday madness, an hour of honest-to-goodness Christmas cheer bedecked Watertown High School's auditorium late Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13. Any family with dancers at Nicoles's Studio of Dance know that owner Nicole Keuchkarian is a gifted instructor, choreographer and dancer, but her studio's performance on the 13th was as good a waking up Christmas morning! A sold-out crowd enjoyed a Christmas soundtrack mix that, if marketed, would outsell Bing's "White Christmas. "

On stage, young ladites masterfully performed routines with as little as five weeks of practice. Several Santas, his helpers and other well-known characters shared the spotlight. Even NSOD's "Grinch" made us revel in the merriment of Christmas.

Besides offering this public thank you to Nicole and NSOD, this is an opportunity to compliment the studio's extended family. The clan that includes well known Watertown surnames such as Keuchkarian, English, Coppola and Pizzi are more talented and devoted to one another than even the North Pole's elves could ever be! Every sister, cousin or extended family member is a talented dancer, making performances memorable. Every mother, father, aunt or uncle in this family plays some role off the stage in the performances' stunning success. And Nicole's soon-to-be-sister-in-law, Marina, is Rudolph-like in the role she plays at NSOD. For any Scrooge needing a refresher on family and Christmas values, no finer example than Nicole's exists. Merry Christmas!