Come winter and spring, the denizens of Basking Ridge will be wowed by feats of rhythmic artistry and musical movement. As occurs every year, Ridge High School and others wait with bated breath for the Winter and Spring Dance Showcases, where dance students of Ridge High School will bare their talents on the wooden floor of the Performing Arts Center stage.
However, before these students reach the illuminated stage, they must work for hours a week in order to perfect their craft. On the way, students receive aid from master choreographers and performers in the dance “master classes.” These classes are provided by Ridge High School’s dance program for a small fee in order to expose students of Ridge High School and William Annin Middle School to various dance forms.
Ridge dance instructor Mrs. Miranda believes that the classes offer benefits beyond performance skills. According to her, the master class “is for all levels and introduces different styles. It allows students to work with master teachers and network with professionals, which is valuable because dance is such a close-knit community.”
During these classes, a guest teacher will “normally do some ‘across the floor’ warm-ups and then jump into their choreography,” says Ridge dancer Catherine Metcalfe ’16. This choreography refers to a dance either designed by that very guest teacher or a dance from an established musical. After learning the dance, the attendees of the class have the option of performing it in the next upcoming dance showcase.
Hannah Kolarik ’16, a veteran of master classes, has actually spearheaded master classes in the past. Ms. Kolarik believes that the classes aid the dance program at Ridge immensely, “as they give people who aren’t in classes (Dance I-III), on Team or in Collective a chance to see what the dance program is like and learn choreography from someone with extensive professional experience.” She also emphasized skills gained from master classes beyond choreography or dancing, saying that learning new dances improve both her memorization skills and her teaching skills (for when she passes on new choreography to other dancers).
According to Aria Dandawate ’16, an experienced dancer and a past attendee of master classes at Ridge, these classes provide “a great learning experience,” as well as opportunities for her “to get acquainted with the styles of different choreographers.” She went on to say that “That’s one of the most important things for a dancer – versatility. And I really think the Ridge Dance Master Classes offer a forum for dancers to expand their horizons.” Other students, such as Ms. Metcalfe, agree that the classes “are a great way to learn and improve your dancing skills in the class.” The majority of Ridge dancers agree that the master classes do not lack in either popularity or enlightenment.
This past September, two master classes were conducted under the direction of the aptly named Jeffry Foote. Foote, a tap dancer, actor, singer, and veteran of the stage, led two tap dancing classes, open to all students from grade 7 through 12. Two modern dance classes, open to the same grade levels, will occur in October. These classes will be led by Jenn Rose, a modern dance instructor and choreographer. Both of the October classes are filled to capacity, emphasizing the sure popularity of the events.
What is even more impressive is the fact that the student dancers often review, practice, and edit choreography entirely on their own. Ms. Kolarik says, “These classes are also partially student-run as although we are taught by a choreographer they only see us twice. Once we are finished learning the dance it is our responsibility to clean and review it with the supervision and input of Mrs. Miranda.” The end result is often wrought not only from professional and known pieces but also from the creativity of Ridge High School’s own.
The Ridge dance program is currently preparing for the annual Winter Dance Showcase 2015 as well as a tap dance show in January. The tap show, titled Soul Walk, will feature Hillary-Marie Michael, a Ridge graduate and acclaimed performer in the tap world. Soul Walk is a performance intended to renew interest in tap dance, and will feature both professional and Ridge tap dancers working in conjunction. As the Ridge dancers continue to perfect their skills with guidance from professionals and flair from their own selves, one can only wish them luck in their endeavors, and stand in awe of the expertise that emerges.