Hastings Dance Studio is set to revive the traditional story of a mermaid for an annual dance recital

Love to dance and looking for something a little different to do? Check out a Hastings dance studio’s version of Under the sea.

Although many of us know The little Mermaid like a classic Disney film, before that it was a dark tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.

Like Disney, the Havelock North K Studio of Dance chose to perform their version of Andersen iconic Little Mermaid story.

About 120 dancers ages 3 to 19 from Havelock North K Studio of Dance came together to perform their year-end recital at the Toitoi HB Arts and Events Center on December 4.

Loosley based on Andersen’s story, the studio’s dance recital Under the sea will tell the story of Aria, the youngest daughter of the Mer King, dissatisfied with life under the sea.

Aria longs to go above the surface and be with humans; however, King Mer forbade all contact with humans.

Desperate for the charming, deadly prince Ernest, a desperate Aria gathers her courage and strikes a deal with the cunning and terrible sea witch.

Mermaids and pearls, sea anemones, rainbow fish, jellyfish, eels, sailors and seagulls all get involved in helping Aria achieve her dream.

At the end of the show, the final year students will finish the Under the sea performance with three more classic elements.

Kerry Mackenzie, dance instructor at K Studio of Dance, said the recital would be great family fun with lots of colorful costumes.

“It’s a great way to end the year after all the hard work the students have done all year in exams,” Mackenzie said.

Tickets are available at the I-Site Hastings Visitor Information Center and at Eventfinda.