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Mercer Island dancers perform ‘Carnival of the Animals’ and more

Published 1:30 pm Monday, June 15, 2026

Mia Dong and the Elephants (Kira Deng, Clara Lamb, Ruby Galgon and Ayla Alpay) perform in “Carnival of the Animals” on June 13 at the Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center. Courtesy photo
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Mia Dong and the Elephants (Kira Deng, Clara Lamb, Ruby Galgon and Ayla Alpay) perform in “Carnival of the Animals” on June 13 at the Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center. Courtesy photo

Mia Dong and the Elephants (Kira Deng, Clara Lamb, Ruby Galgon and Ayla Alpay) perform in “Carnival of the Animals” on June 13 at the Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center. Courtesy photo
The grade two class dances in the All School Performance on June 13 at the Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center. Courtesy photo

Special to the Reporter

The Children’s Dance Conservatory and Island Youth Ballet delighted audiences on June 13 with their annual All School Performance and a special presentation of “Carnival of the Animals” at the Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center.

The showcase featured students ranging from preschool-age dancers through advanced levels, highlighting skills developed throughout the 2025-26 school year. Training at the conservatory is based on the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, a ballet curriculum developed more than 100 years ago and used by dance students in dozens of countries worldwide.

The event also featured a production of “Carnival of the Animals,” inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns’ famous musical suite. Narrated by graduating senior Rachel Tretheway, the performance brought a variety of animals to life through dance, including the majestic March of the Lions, playful kangaroos and an enchanting aquarium scene.

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