Although the show is not until February, time and preparation are needed to create a dance worthy of being displayed. The project used to be required, however, this year it has been made a supplemental senior project for those who love to choreograph and perform.
“I have been waiting for years to have the opportunity of choreographing and performing my very own dance,” senior Lauren Reyna said.
Time is spent choreographing, teaching, rehearsing and polishisg before submitting the final product for scrutiny.
“So far my dance is halfway done, but I am planning on having it fully finished by November,” Reyna said. “My dance is hip hop because I feel it is my strength.”
As a supplement to the class, creating dances allows each participating senior to research and try new styles and techniques that are not covered in class.
“The style I am choreographing to is modern influenced by a style called Horton technique, which is very linear and angular, sharp and unique,” Rogers said. “I did this because it is similar to the style I dance to in my classes at the studio I go to outside of school. I’ve grown to really love it.”
Each senior chooses the music, the choreography and includes other students in their own piece. Although being in a studio dance class is not required, participants must go through an auditions process and attend rehearsals outside of school.
“Auditions for my dance are November 27 at 4:45 p.m. in the dance studio,” Reyna said. “If anyone wants to try out, but can’t make the audition, they can contact me for a makeup date. For the audition, I am going to do a warm up, and then teach a few eight counts and they will perform in small groups.”
Lauren Reyna’s hip hop style and Mykaela Rogers’ Horton technique provide equal opportunity for different types of dancers and allow for a larger pool of interest for auditions.
“If participants want to audition, they are free to contact me and set up audition times within the next few days,” Rogers said. “I plan to have the auditions run very similar to the modern class I go to at my studio. We are going to do some exercises, and then I will teach the segment of the choreography similar in style to my piece.”
