A Child's Christmas Story

w. The story was so astounding that I had to recreate it for all my friends. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas.A young girl tells the story of Jesus' birth and her vision of the world in a touching, heartwarming rendition of this tale as old as time. When I did the production video for the Twist & Shout Christmas Concert last week, this was the conclusion to the show.

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Auditorium Rehearsal Schedule at ALA

Wednesday Dec 12th:

5:00pm Snickers (Tuesday 4:00pm class)
5:30pm Mike n Ikes (Tuesday 4:30pm class)
6:00pm Starbursts (Tuesday 5:00pm class)
6:30pm Adults (Saturday morning class)

Thursday Dec 13th:

5:00pm Kit Kats (Tuesday 6:00pm class)
5:30pm Epic (Friday 5:00pm class)
6:00pm Pop Rocks (Thursday 4:30pm class)
6:30pm Hot Tamales (Tuesday 7:00pm class)
7:00pm Full Dress Rehearsal

The Wednesday and early Thursday practices are mostly for stage blocking and mic checks and don't require costumes.

Also, the first couple class rehearsals on Wednesday might be shorter, so if you have a 5:30 or 6:00 pm practice be there early DON'T BE LATE. The rehearsals are tightly booked because of the cost of the auditorium rental and we can't go over time without paying extra money.

The full dress rehearsal starts at 7:00pm on Thursday, so if you have a practice on that day bring your costume to change into.

Class pictures will be taken on Thursday during full dress rehearsal. If you can help with sending classes to get their picture taken and escorting the younger classes to and from pictures, please contact Melody Oliphant at 801-380-2549. Prices will be $5 for a 4x6; sign up sheets will be available on the day pics are taken and anytime afterward.

Call time for performances on Friday and Saturday is 6:30 pm. Again, don't be late.

Please: no food or colored drinks in the waiting rooms.
Please bring something for your child to keep busy with while in their waiting room and make sure their name is on it, so if it is left I know who it belongs to.
Make sure your child's costume is covered up when you arrive. It spoils the surprise for the audience if they've seen all the costumes wandering the lobby prior to the performance.

This year their songs and dances are spread throughout the show instead of in a block, so plan on staying for the whole show. It is a great show and you won't be bored! It's about an hour and a half, so no longer than a movie and we keep it moving fast, as past students and parents will tell you, so ENJOY!

As always, I have loved working with you and your amazing kids!! I can't wait for them to show all of your family and friends what they've been working on.

We will take the rest of December off (deservedly so, since we cram two months worth of rehearsals into the last two weeks!, so enjoy your Christmas and New Year's with your families and we will start classes for Spring semester the second week of January.

Auditions for the advanced class will be held that week as well, so contact me if your child is interested!

Thanks for all you do and are. I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Heather Hunt

Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout! Come join us & have a great time while developing & sharing your talents!

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME

It's that time of year again! Twist & Shout Performance Group's 6th Annual Christmas Show

TWO NIGHTS -- TWO SHOWS filled with song and dance dedicated to Christmas.

COST: Free!

December 14, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
December 15, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

American Leadership Academy
898 West 1100 South
Spanish Fork, UT

with Special Guests

Ryann Race of So You Think You Can Dance, Season 4
Island Dolls (world renowned dance troupe)

The Twist & Shout gang is hard at work preparing for the best Christmas concert they've put on yet. Art Director, Heather Hunt, is at her best this year as is every member of the group. From the adorable 3 to 6-year-old boys, to the men and women, each group has prepared wonderful numbers celebrating the Christmas season.

Ryann Race is a frequent guest performer of Twist & Shout concerts. He and Heather go back a long way, and he is a favorite with Twist & Shout audiences. His popping and locking amaze everyone from the youngest to the oldest audience members.

Island Dolls was created by reknowned choreographer Ammon Kai Kamai and run by Tahitian Master, Merehau Teragahau Kamai. Island Dolls perform in various events sharing the Polynesian culture as well as their modern twist to the Tahitian culture. They've graced stages from Las Vegas to Radio City Hall, from Tokyo to London.. They've toured with MTV and pop stars, and are delighted to be joining Twist & Shout for their Christmas celebration.

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Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout Performance Group! Come join us and have a great time while developing and sharing your talents!

Twist & Shout, A Cut Above the Rest

My husband just loves watching the show "Abby Lee Dance Company" on Lifetime. Everything about that show is dance and drama. The teacher cares not one whit for the emotional and personal growth of her young dancers. It's all about living vicariously through these young girls she literally verbally and emotionally abuses, and the parents just sit there watching it happen.

The stark difference between something like that and Heather Hunt, who not only teaches voice, piano and group performance, but spends extra time teaching her students how beautiful they are, how much they matter, and personal responsibility, is huge. 

The kids in her Twist & Shout Performance Group become the best of friends and have each others backs, as Heather has taught them to do. Bullying is strongly condemned, and can be found nowhere in Twist & Shout Performance Group. I cannot recommend Heather highly enough. All parents should take a look and give their children the gift of learning from Heather.

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Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout! Come join us & have a great time while developing & sharing your talents!

Pics from the Orchard Days Parade

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Twist & Shout Retreat on August 4th

Mandatory Attendance:

Saturday, July 28, 2012, 9:00 a.m. 

Centennial Park

300 West 100 South

Santaquin, UT 

It's our first retreat for Twist & Shout Performance Group. All students of Twist & Shout are required to attend, and we are going to have so much fun. It will center around preparation for our Orchard Days appearance on August 4th. 

We have a fun day planned for everyone. As lunch will be provided we need an exact count. So everyone must R.S.V.P. to ces@candacesalima.com.  The day will begin for the kids and teens at 9:00 a.m. and the schedule will go as follows: 

Children/Teens

9:00 a.m. Tablecover Drawing: This will be dedicated to refreshing the lyrics and songs the children will be singing at Orchard Days on the 4th of August. 

10:00 a.m. Musical Treasure Hunt 

11:00 a.m. If you've accepted the invitation on Facebook to the Twist & Shout Retreat then you know what we're doing at 11:00 a.m. If you have friends and family who would like to join us, please invite them to be at the park at 11:00 a.m. straight up. Main Pavilion.

Noon: Lunch for Everyone provided by Island Dolls

Adults/Teens 

1:00 p.m. Music 

2:00 p.m. Dance 

3:00 p.m. Hair/Makeup for Men & Women 

4:00 p.m. Rehearsal for Everyone 

5:00 p.m. BBQ for Twist & Shout performers and their families. 

This will be pot luck, so please let Candace Salima know via the email address above exactly what you're bringing. We're really looking forward to this day, and hope that you are too. We'll have a lot of fun, learn a lot, and walk away feeling great.

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Sign Up Now! Open Enrollment

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Behind The Scenes Spring/Summer Concert

As a mom of two of Heather's students, I have to say that I am so happy with how she helps my kids develop her talents! She brings her energy and enthusiasm to class and rehearsals and inspires the kids to do the same. Heather isn't just a singing/dancing/performance teacher, she is truly a mentor and cares about her students. I just can't say enough! Thank you, Heather, for all you do for all of us!

Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout! Come join us & have a great time while developing & sharing your talents!

BIGGER Studio? Yes please!!

We've been looking for a place to lease to put our permanent studio in anticipation of the Chase/Social Living/Mission Small Business people loving us and giving us one of the 12 grants. We've outgrown the current place as it is, and I'm excited to be looking!

I've had several people ask if we got the grant. We won't know until September 15. They are looking at all the companies that got over 250 votes and deciding who gets the 12 grants. We are thinking positive!

Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout! Come join us & have a great time while developing & sharing your talents!

We got the votes!!

We've got 250 votes which make us eligible to be considered for the Chase Mission: Small Business grant opportunity!! Woooo!! THANK YOU!!

Now just keep your fingers, toes, eyes, etc. crossed that we get the grant! It's time to expand and get some equipment!!

Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout! Come join us & have a great time while developing & sharing your talents!

Two Minutes and You've Helped Twist & Shout!

Twist & Shout Performance Group is the group we perform with twice a year. We meet once a week when Heather Hunt teaches us song and dance. Some stick with group instruction, others add in one on one vocal, piano, or performance training. She also teaches ages 3 on up to never-to-old. 

It's time for new equipment, new facilities, etc. She is up for a $250,000 grant from Chase Mission: Small Business. All you have to do is click on the link, click on learn more, scroll down and click on Login with Facebook & Support, and type in Twist & Shout Performance Group in Santaquin, UT and VOTE. 

Each business needs at least 250 votes to be considered for a $250,000 grant. Please help me getting her 1,000 votes instead. Eligible small business applicants will then be judged by a panel of business experts. Please help. Two minutes of your time and you've helped a wonderful lady.

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Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout. We hope you'll give us a call and join us in expanding your talents and having a blast in the meantime!

Twist & Shout Pop Culture Explosion!

You're Invited!

The Twist & Shout Spring concert is right around the corner! We are so excited because we have been immersed in iconic songs throughout the decades. 

There will be a little something for every generation and wow, are we working those numbers! From Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy to My Lovin' to Taylor Swift, we have been practicing those harmonies until they are tight! 

 As usual, the concert is free. We simply ask that you bring your family, friends and neighbors for this 90 minute concert, and then tell the world how much you enjoyed it!

When: Thursday, June 14, 2012

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

The concert is being held at:

American Leadership Academy

898 West 1100 South

Spanish Fork, UT  84660

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Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout. We hope you'll give us a call and join us in expanding your talents and having a blast in the meantime!

Twist & Shout Christmas Concert 2011 Commercial

Please share at will. If you're within driving distance you will want be there! Fillmore to Davis County is driving distance, trust me! Merry Christmas to one and all, and see you at the Twist & Shout Christmas Concert. It will be a night to remember.

Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout. We hope you'll give us a call and join us in expanding your talents and having a blast in the meantime!

Twist & Shout Christmas Concert 2011 - You're Invited!

What a special night we have planned for you in celebration of our Savior's birth and Christmas.

You, your family, your friends and co-workers all invited to join us for Twist & Shout's Christmas Concert 2011. It will be an evening filled with song, dance, and laughter, and even a little emotion as we celebrate the return of soldiers from Iraq. The concert is on December 20th at 7:00 p.m.

American Leadership Academy

898 West 1100 South

Spanish Fork, UT

Did I mention it's FREE for everyone in attendance. So join us as we celebrate Christmas, joined by special guest, Jessie Funk. Jessie has "gone country" with the release of her new CD "Dance in the Rain." You may have heard her songs on the radio as you drive around the valley.

Jessie has released five solo albums, published five books, has toured 36 states with the Broadway musical “Footloose,” performed as an opening act for Donny Osmond, Josh Grayson and Billy Dean and she has toured with Broadway sensation Maureen McGovern. She has also been hired for hundreds of recording sessions as a studio vocalist including songs heard on TV’s “America’s Got Talent” and “The Biggest Loser,” as well as Donny & Marie Osmond's Las Vegas show.

And, for a little special something extra, Santa Claus will be in attendance after the concert for the kids to sit on his lap, get pictures with him, etc. And you have never seen a Santa like THIS Santa! Pictures will be $10/ea. please bring cash, if you want to take advantage of this opportunity.

And in case that's not enough, the hosts of the new television show Simply Stated will be there shooting footage, interviewing people and highlighting director, Heather Hunt in a special show they are doing on her. In addition, Candace Salima of Turning the Tide with Candace Salima will not only be performing, but shooting footage as well for her show. And Ryann Race of "So You Think You Can Dance" will also grace us with a number.

So please help us fill every single seat, all 620 of them, because this will be a night to remember and a perfect celebration of Christmas.

You can pop on over to the Twist & Shout Christmas Concert 2011 and keep updated on all the goings on as the days count down.

Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout. We hope you'll give us a call and join us in expanding your talents and having a blast in the meantime!

And we're back!

Twist & Shout Performance Group, directed by Heather Hunt

We have been terribly derelict in keeping this blog up. However, things are "a-changing" at Twist & Shout. We've held several concerts since the last post, and our last, the Twist & Shout "Everything Broadway" Spring Concert was amazing. I think we turned a corner, upped our game, and couldn't have been happier with our performance.

We had 200 audience members join us for the concert and there was great fun had by all! With the usual suspects, we also had Ryann Race of "So You Think You Can Dance," Craig Evans, formerly of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the Jensens who graced with amazing ballroom numbers.

Our adult class, which is now free, has grown to 9 or 10 people. Four to five men, and five women. It is rare we can get through ten minutes of class without one of the men cracking us up. But we learn and we laugh, and our harmonies have really come together.

The kids have grown, and with that their talents have also! I couldn't be prouder of each of them.

In addition, we have revamped our website! Our new URL is www.t-s.candacesalima.com.

And least but not least, fall enrollment is beginning now. For a mere $35/mo. you can join us ... and I think you should. I issue a personal invitation to you, bring your spouse, children or come by yourself ... this is a great opportunity for a nominal price. There is a family discount for siblings, and the adult class is free.

"I look forward to working with you." 

Heather Hunt
Director, Twist & Shout

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Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout. We hope you'll give us a call and join us in expanding your talents and having a blast in the meantime!

Twist & Shout Christmas Concert 2009

We had an absolute blast with the Twist & Shout 2009 Christmas Concert. Neither snowstorm, BYU bowl game, BYU basketball games or anything else kept us from performing, for the "show must always go on!

The little girls performed the most adorable Dance of the Reed Flutes. The older girls rocked with Winter Wonderland, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree and When Christmas Comes to Town. Alvin and Candace Salima sang Silver Bells. The men thrilled the audience with The Drifters version White Christmas. The women showed you're never too old to bustamove with a smokey jazz dance number to SheDaisy's Santa's Got a Brand New Bag. Literally 60 minutes of song, dance and music all centered around Christmas.

Lucky for you, if you weren't able to be at the concert, the DVD will be available for purchase, beginning next week. $15.00 and that baby is all yours to watch from the comfort of your own home. So reserve your copy now and it will be shipped to you next week.

Twist & Shout Christmas Concert 2009 DVD

We had several new people, from the very young to adults decide they wanted to be a part of Twist & Shout too and sign up for classes. There's still plenty of room, so if music is something that makes your soul stand up and sing, join us. I promise you, you will not regret it. You'll improve your talents, increase your breadth of experience, and form friendships which will last you a lifetime. Trust me when I say, you're never too young or too old to have some fun and grow a little in the process.

So if this sounds like something you'd like to do, call Heather Hunt, the director of Twist & Shout at 801-754-1199.

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Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout. We hope you'll give us a call and join us in expanding your talents and having a blast in the meantime!

Twist & Shout 2009 Concert

Twist & Shout's yearly Christmas show is just around the corner!

Please join us for an evening of singing, dancing, fun and Christmas joy! The performers have been working hard and are excited to perform for all their family and friends!

Above all, we have a blast, and want to make sure you have a blast, too!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
American Leadership Acad.
1172 Delmonte Road
Spanish Fork, UT

Tickets are $5.00/ea. and family pricing is available ($20 for a family of 5 or more)! Call Heather Hunt at 801-404-4731 with questions.

Tickets will be waiting for you at Will Call.

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Thanks for visiting Twist & Shout. We hope you'll give us a call and join us in expanding your talents and having a blast in the meantime!

Upcoming Concerts

Twist 'n Shout will be performing a few numbers at Orchard Days in Santaquin, Utah on July 28, 2009.

The numbers being performed are:

Super Trouper by Heather Hunt, Candace E. Salima and Alison Bernards
Dancing Queen by Heather, Candace, Alison and the Womens Class
Charleston by the 3 to 5 year-olds
My Boyfriend's Back by the Teen Girls

Be sure and drop by. It's going to be a lot of fun on a wonderful summer day.

Welcome to Twist & Shout!

We are Twist & Shout, a song and dance performance group for all ages.

I am Heather Hunt, a performer and composer who made a goal to bring music, song and dance, into the lives of all who wanted to expand their talents while having a lot of fun! It increases confidence in all children. For adults, it's a chance to enjoy talent you thought you'd never have fun with again.

We do two major concerts a year with several smaller performances during the summer.

So give me a call and let's have some fun! 801-404-4731 or drop us an email.