Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test. The familiar music from Beauty and The Beast rings out, and the dancers and singers move downstage under the watchful eye of Tina Rath, Theatre Ancaster's resident choreographer.

"It's a wonderful show for choreography and dance," says Ms Rath, with a smile, and then just as quickly, she's all business.

"Spoons. Arms higher. More snap after the turn. Like this. And Babette...we need more dip with Lumiere."

"Again. Be our guest from the top."

A rush to places. A silence. And then...suddenly, whirling plates dot the stage to the music. Next, dancing knives and forks join them and finally spoons of different shapes and sizes pirouette to their spots. Ms. Rath watches and refines as she moves among the dancers and singers. The stage is alive.

Ms. Rath is the consummate professional. She owns and operates Pure Rhythm Dance Company in Ancaster and long ago made the decision not to leave her community to dance and work elsewhere.

"This is my home. I love dancing and teaching," she said. "It's wonderful watching the faces of my students when they master something. And working as part of a creative production team such as we have in Theatre Ancaster is very rewarding."

Ms. Rath has created magic for Theatre Ancaster since its inception in 1997, when she was a student of only 16 at Ancaster High School.

"Tina is incredible," said Gord Conroy, one of the founding directors of Theatre Ancaster along with Al Croxall and Ralf Hakenberg. "She has endless creativity and boundless enthusiasm."

Beauty and The Beast opens in just over a month on Friday, Nov. 21. Tickets are selling quickly. They may be ordered by calling the box office at 905-304-SHOW (7469) or can be purchased in person Monday through Friday at the box office just outside the Theatre Auditorium at Ancaster High School, 374 Jerseyville Rd. W. at Meadowbrook. No ticket sales on Thanksgiving Monday.

Evening performances continue Nov. 22, 28, 29 and Dec. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Matinees are Nov. 23, 30 and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Adults $25. Seniors $20. Students and children $10. See theatreancaster.com.