This winter, the Ridge dance showcase performers truly danced their ways into the audience’s heart. The audience was with no doubt filled with average joes, lovers of the arts, and supportive friends and family; people were ready to see their friends shine and to discover talent previously unknown to them. Every expectation was surpassed as the audience witnessed truly colorful and vibrant performances by numerous ensembles, all under the direction of Mrs. Rachel Miranda.
The dancers in the showcase had grueling rehearsal schedules in the week leading up to the event on January 10th in order to perfect their dances.
Jess Burchett ’16 describes the rehearsal experience as “hard work but also a lot of fun!” Despite the fact that one of the long rehearsals was cancelled because of a snowstorm, Brynn McMahon ’14 recounted that “everyone still came together” to create a wonderful show.
As Oksana Ryjouk ’14 explains, “It’s been really tiring, but the effort we’ve put in will pay off.” She continued, “Not only is this my last winter showcase, but I’m also really involved with it, emotionally and physically, so hopefully the showcase will be amazing as it’s been all these years.” As a senior, she recognized the huge part dance has played in her life and wished for the best in the coming performances. All those hours the dancers spent fine-tuning definitely paid off.
Another aspect of the show Burchett was excited to share with the audience was “the student choreographed pieces” and that “middle school students can be in [the showcase], which is unique.” The dance program truly makes use of all the talent and potential in students to make an excellent show.
As audience members filed into the Ridge Performing Arts Center at 7 pm and took their seats, the projector screen displayed the program, depicted with dancing silhouettes. Real dancers would soon take the pictures’ places and bring the theatre to life.
Throughout the showcase, an abundance of dances were fluid, smooth and pretty, including the first dance, called “Flowing River.” It was true to its name; dancers were elegant and poised, gliding across the stage gracefully. To complement this sophisticated attitude, dancers sported simple black dresses and white tights.
Also taking the stage throughout the evening were the Dance III performers, serious dancers having bypassed the easier dance courses to take this more advanced elective. Dance team captain Brynn McMahon ’14 explains that students in this class “get to choreograph their own dances and also get their own solos.” They also have the opportunity to get headshots photographed, which is a useful addition to their résumés for auditions.
One such Dance III student, Peyton Stein ‘14, performed a solo entitled “Lost and Found”. She danced self-assuredly and energetically to the song “Wake Me Up” by Avicii. She seemed to periodically travel towards different parts of the stage and then turn back suddenly as if trapped. It was a confident, irresistible performance.
Sarah Von Der Linde ’16, another Dance III soloist, performed in “Point Blank”, dancing to “Snow” covered by the Vitamin String Quartet. Her choreography in this song made me, a non-dancer, re-evaluate what I consider to be anatomically possible. Dancing is a mysterious art…
Dance III tuned into the current world of social media and technology hysteria in “Technologic Comparison”. Choreographed by Maggie Keller, the first 3 dancers arrived on stage, dressed in black shirts and jeans, holding their iPhones. The remaining two wore glittering silver shirts and were free from phones, representating individuality. The song “Technologic” by Daft Punk transitioned to “Madness” by Muse. The dance finished with the glitter-wearers backing into the wings, iPhones held high, illustrating their submission to the mainstream culture. Digital and modern, the dancers made a powerful statement on the dangers of conformity and technology.
Dance I was featured in a quirky number named “Changing Shapes,” set to the tune of “Voldemort” covered by the Vitamin String Quartet. Commencing dramatically, the group of dancers evolved into different arrangements throughout – starting with a contorted kind of figure and ending in a pile. The color scheme of the costumes was eccentric and odd, but fitting for the dance; the dancers wore colors such as maroon, purple, dark blue, orange, and brown.
“We Go Together” was the first dance of its kind at Ridge; it was primarily composed of special education students. Madeleine Oliver ’17 took a sort of leadership position in this dance, yet incorporated herself into the dance so as to make the rest of the group the forefront. Set to “We Go Together” from Grease, this number put a smile on the audience’s faces.
The night seemed only to increase in intensity and energy as the dance team, an auditioned ensemble, took the stage. Brynn McMahon ’14, dance team captain, explains that choreographers outside the world of Ridge come in to choreograph their dances. They have one big group number, performed in the winter, and split into a jazz group and a hip hop group to do two numbers in the spring. She said they “compete each year, usually two to three competitions, depending on the funding.” A big contributor to these funds is attendance at the showcases.
The dance’s team’s group number, “Dolls”, performed to the song “Disturbia” by Rihanna, was high-energy and appropriately nightmarish. The dancers acted as dolls coming to life. Wearing eerily uniform polka-dot black and white dresses, the dancers pulsed and throbbed with energy and life, capturing the essence of the idea impeccably. Another unique concept was found in “and then, you act”. It was a kind of “a cappella dancing”…dancing without music. Simplistic and interesting.
Gabby Oliveira, another Dance III student, performed her solo, “Smile” to the song of the same time by Nat King Cole. This song was a clear depiction of overcoming obstacles by facing adversity with a smile. Gabby was poised and ended the song, appropriately, with a smile.
The show ended with a bang with “Thoroughly Modern Milli”. A sparkling number, it was expressive, fashionable and dramatic. After this exciting dance, the sassy dancers took their bows playfully, keeping the audience entertained until the very end.
Ridge dancers were essential in orchestrating the show and making it seamless; they introduced the dances before they were performed, presenting the dancers positively and giving the audience tidbits of information to keep in mind as they watched. The audience voiced their support eagerly during these presentations, bringing to the show a sense of closeness between the performers and the audience.
All in all, the choreography, costumes, song selection, expressions, lighting, and the dancing came together to create an engaging masterpiece. The showcase was full of shifts in attitude that ranged from vibrant to glowing to eerie, keeping the audience hooked. Mrs. Miranda and the dance department at Ridge put together a highly entertaining and riveting show. If you missed the winter showcase, definitely attend the one in the spring, because it can only get better!
Thank you to Raquel Cordivari ’16 for her input in this article! Also, the dances I did not specifically mention in this article but were wonderful and definitely worth mentioning include:
- “Coffee”
- “Breaking Free”
- “To Reach You”
- “Rise Above”
- “Static Noise”
- “Achieve”
- “Overcoming Darkness”
- “Common Thread”
- “Pass It On”