Even after 26 years of teaching dance and hosting an annual recital Regina Bittner-Rothbart hasn't lost her passion for the art or the children she instructs.

In fact Bittner-Rothbart, who is putting the finishing touches on Nuance Dance Studio's year-end performance, loves both as much, if not more so, then when she first began.

And she promises that all her passion will shine through in the two-hour ballet the public will enjoy this weekend.

The first half of the show is a telling of Peter Pan and the Pirates, which Bittner-Rothbart describes as a retrospective on the Peter Pan legend as told by Wendy.

"It's more ballet with a story, which goes back to the roots of ballet," she said.

Traditional ballet is all about storytelling, with the arc of the tale interpreted through dance. In order to make her Peter Pan accessible to all, Bittner-Rothbart has added a narrator to help people who aren't schooled in the dance understand the goings on.

"It engages the little boys in the audience and the dads who haven't been introduced to ballet," she said. "It's lots of fun."

Bittner-Rothbart's husband built all the sets, which include an enormous pirate ship.

After a short intermission, the recital moves into Picture the Music. Instead of a story, the dancers interpret songs from TV shows and movies. She promises people will hear music from current favourites like Twilight and past hits such as The Odd Couple.

"It's from the olden days to the present day," she said.

The recital appeals to audiences young and old, which Bittner-Rothbart appreciates, as hers is a more traditional performance.

The children are a big part of the recital's continued success, and her ongoing enjoyment for teaching dance, she said. All the students, be they three or 13, love to dance and perform.

"I have kids who love being there. You have a child who is eager and exited about coming to class," said Bittner-Rothbart.

For more information visit nuance-dance.com or phone 250-374-3628.

ON STAGE

WHO: Nuance Dance Studio 26th recital

WHEN: Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Sagebrush Theatre

TICKETS: Kamloops Live! Box Office