Submitted Photo Advanced level dancers at Rinat Mouzafarov Institute of Dance and Ballet Theater prepare to perform their spring production this weekend. Shown in this photo by Ron Rouse are (front from left) Ashley Carr, Alyssa Bergan, Olivia Christianson, Lyla Prestwich, Addison Pringle, (back from left) Jacob Guevara, Branden Alvarez, Sophie Huus, Joseph Guevara, Ruby Lormejuste, Klay Lee,Colin Robson and Elijah Faken. Not pictured are Tayler Christianson, Alaina Gochanour and Hailey Carr.

Rinat Mouzafarov Institute of Dance and Ballet Theater will present “Spring Fling & Happy Dance” at its annual spring show this weekend at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall.

Classical ballet, character, Broadway and contemporary are among the styles included in 27 dances, choreographed to music ranging from “Beer Barrel Polka” to Debussy’s Prelude “Clair de Lune.” The production will feature dancers from beginning through advanced levels, from ages 3 through adult.

The first show will be Saturday at 7 p.m., with a second show Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children and can be purchased at Art Main, Eckroth Music, the studio or at the door.

The studio’s spring show is an opportunity to honor its graduating seniors, said director Rinat Mouzafarov. This year’s graduate is Alaina Gochanour, who will dance to “Aurora” from “Sleeping Beauty” and to “Mystical,” which will be performed in tribute to her late grandmother. Her grandmother had supported her dance interests over her more than 14 years with the studio.

Another student, Addison Pringle, also will perform a dance in memory of her grandmother.

Mouzafarov said “Moonlight Sonata Illusion” will be danced in dedication to his mother, who died in Russia on May 12. Due to circumstances impacting eastern Europe and to timing with the upcoming recital, he was unable to attend the funeral. He said “Moonlight” was chosen in memory of his mother because she loved classical music and particularly enjoyed his piano rendition of the Beethoven sonata that he had played for her.

Mouzafarov’s students include several boys and young men, and this weekend’s performances will include dances specifically for them as well as partnering with female dancers in duets – or ballet pas de deux.

Mouzafarov said the performance is made possible due to the dedication of his dancers and the support of their parents, whose assistance with props, costuming and other aspects of the productions are vital. Tonya Lewis, who from the studio’s inception has provided costuming and other creative guidance, has moved to Denver but continues to provide support for the spring show from a distance, Mouzafarov said.

Credit also goes to the Minot community for its support for the studio, now in its 29th year, he said.

“I am very blessed to live in Minot because the Minot community supports me and appreciates my work,” he said. “I am thankful for the Minot community and the many, many generations of students who graduated with me.”

Since opening his studio, Mouzafarov has choreographed dozens of shows and trained hundreds students – some of whom have gone on to dance professionally. He has taught at workshops around the country and built relationships with other arts and culture groups in Minot.

His dancers have performed with Minot’s symphony and opera companies and at Norsk Hostfest. They will be back again with Ski Fantasy and other traditional dances when Hostfest resumes this fall after a two-year hiatus.

Mouzafarov is working with the Minot Symphony Orchestra and Minot State University Music Department to incorporate participation by local musicians between some of the dances in this weekend’s production.