When students participate in a program with E-Dance Center, they are gaining more than just dance skills. They're becoming part of an organization that connects to the community. To further its mission of reaching out, E-Dance will present its 20th anniversary recital at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, with an additional performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. The recital will be performed at Leffler Chapel on the Elizabethtown College campus, 1 Alpha Drive.

"This year we have over 230 dancers aging from 3 to 70 years old," said Camille Gubbins, owner and artistic director of E-Dance. "We have over 13 genres of dance being highlighted in our recital."

She's especially looking forward to featuring some very young students.

"We are excited to highlight for the first time ever some of our tiny dancers in this year's recital," she shared. "These tiny dancers are just 3 years old and are dancing with either their mom or dad."

The theme of the recital is "Game Night," and it will reflect a variety of dance styles, including classical ballet, Broadway tap and acrobatics.

"From vivid digital landscapes that spark imagination to sports games that challenge both mind and body, gaming offers something for everyone," Gubbins explained. "Whether it's creativity, competition, chance or connection, the world of gaming brings it all to life."

When E-Dance formed 20 years ago, it was located above an art studio in downtown Elizabethtown.

"We quickly outgrew the space and moved into the old library on North Hanover Street in 2012," Gubbins said. "This year, our studio was proud to be home for over 270 students."

Gubbins became involved with E-Dance when her oldest daughter started taking classes in 2014.

"Shortly after, I was offered a teaching position," she recalled. "I have been a teacher at E-Dance for 10 years and am celebrating my second year as studio owner and artistic director."

Since taking ownership of the studio, Gubbins has been focused on increasing the organization's community involvement.

"The community can see us at parades including Halloween," she said. "We are a part of LIV-Etown's Second Friday events. We have performed at various retirement and nursing homes."

E-Dance students also participate in the annual LIV-Etown Strawberry Festival, National Night Out, the Elizabethtown Fair and the Elizabethtown tree lighting.

"Our mission at E-Dance is to spread our love of dance and the arts with our community, family and friends," Gubbins said. "Wherever we are not able to dance, we are happy and willing to volunteer our time and efforts to help one another. This year was our second year doing Toys for Tots, and we celebrated as a studio when we needed multiple boxes to be delivered."

Summer registration is currently underway at E-Dance, and more than 10 genres of dance are offered.

Gubbins said the recital will provide an opportunity to see what the organization is all about while enjoying a unique way to celebrate games.

"There is really something for everyone at this year's recital. Gaming is family entertainment - from playing peekaboo at age 1 to cheering for your favorite teams during the (football championship)," she said. "We have numbers involving Minecraft, musical chairs, recess games, Super Mario Brothers, checkers, Candyland, World Cup, tennis, boxing, chess, cops and robbers and so much more. Come and experience gaming in a different way through dancing."

Tickets for the recital may be purchased ahead of time at https://30183.danceticketing.com/r/events or at the door.

For more information on E-Dance Center, visit https://e-dancecenter.com.