Aspiring North Bend dance instructor Katie Black shows her flair for the boards in the Issaquah-based Village Theatre’s current production of “42nd Street.”

A musical super-hit brimming with synchronized tap-dance and snappy tunes, the performance spoke to Black’s dream of working hard and being noticed. She is a featured dancer and ensemble member in the production.

Long before she received the opportunity to show off her talents, Black stretched her theatre ability and at the age of 18 began working as a professional dancer.

After traveling the world aboard Holland America Line cruise ships and working in Los Angeles and Las Vegas alongside personalities including singer Lionel Richie, Black decided to move back home. She is now performing in what will be her first musical at the Village Theatre.

“I have always tried to follow my heart, and live without regret,” she said. “I couldn’t be happier. I’m back home and close to my family, found a passion in teaching and am back onstage, able to share my heart and soul with the audience.”

In “42nd Street,” ingenue Peggy Sawyer, played by Krystle Armstrong, gets her big break in New York when the star of a Broadway show is injured in rehearsal.

Sawyer’s story is unraveled in a dancing musical performance, including Black’s featured dancing, through favorite musical numbers including “We’re in the Money, “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” and “Lullaby of Broadway.”

Black is also using her professional dance experience to opening IGNITE Dance & Yoga studio in North Bend this August.

“It offers a wide variety of dance and yoga classes for kids and adults,” she said. “I am privileged to share my love for life and movement through teaching.”

For more information, tickets and showtimes on Village Theatre’s “42nd Street,” visit www.villagetheatre.