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The Schreiber Dance Department recently had its third annual dance showcase on Apr 30. All of the dances were student choreographed from the Advanced Dance & Choreography classes, except for the opening and closing numbers, and one dance choreographed by Mrs. Szczesny, the dance department teacher. These student choreographers began creating their routines in September, and have been continuously working around the clock to put this show together. It was a beautiful night, filled with big smiles, loud cheers, and the art of dance.
The dance program at Schreiber has been in place for over 20 years, but the dance showcase is a recent addition to the class. The student choreographers were allowed to pick their own music, costumes, and anything else they felt would bring their piece to life. There were many styles of dance in the showcase, including lyrical, contemporary, jazz, hip hop and modern. Once the student choreographers made their dances, there were dance auditions held to see who would be best for each piece. The choreographers taught a small section of their dance to the class, and then the dancers were split into small groups to perform for the teacher. This was a great way for students to learn new dances, and allow students to practice and feel as if they were in a real audition. It was also a great opportunity for students who were choreographing to practice teaching their peers.
The opening number was called “See Opportunities in Every Challenge,” to the song “Just a Cloud Away” by Pharrell Williams. The dance was about overcoming obstacles that come in your way, and incorporated both Advanced Dance & Choreography classes. At the beginning of the year, students broke off in small groups to choreograph a small routine. Each small routine was then put into the opening number. Each dance was different, but all together it looked great on stage! Throughout the showcase, the styles of dance changed, allowing the audience to witness and enjoy different styles of dance. This kept the audience engaged with the show, and curious to see what dance would be next.
Once students were chosen for their dances, the choreography began! After December break, choreographers started teaching their dances, and the process began. There were two sections of choreographers, one began in January, and the other began in February. This gave students and choreographers one month to clean their routines and practice before the performance in April.
“This was my second year in the showcase, but my first year choreographing a dance. I choreographed my dance to the song “Fergalicious” by Fergie, and I think the audience really enjoyed the number! I loved teaching my fellow classmates, and I enjoyed performing in the other dances. I am so excited to choreograph a piece next year, and I am going to miss performing with my friends,” said sophomore Isabella Imperiale
Some of the dances that were in the showcase were also performed for some of the events at Schreiber last month. The piece “Rise Up”, choreographed by Freshman Samantha Richards, with dancers Sunny Friedman, Joia Zahner, Sanoka Toyama, and Stephy Chan, was performed for Women’s Empowerment Day. For Shakespeare Day, the dance “Lovely”, choreographed by Sophomore Viktor Straesser and Junior Anneliese Krivin, with dancers Helene Burke, Kako Murayama, and Charlotte Walz, was performed. Both of these dances showcased messages of never giving up, and to stay true to who you are.
“This was my first year taking Advanced Dance & Choreography, and I had so much fun! I loved learning all the dances and performing them with my friends. I am so excited to take the class next year,” said freshman Dylan Diamond.
“I’ve been dancing with Mrs. Szczesny for three years now, and it’s been such an amazing experience! Our dance showcase was a blast and a wonderful way to share the pieces we choreographed in class. Be sure to come see the show next year!” said junior Zoe Scher.
Mrs. Szczesny has been a dance teacher at Schreiber, as well as a physical education teacher for many years, but was also a dancer in high school and college. She attended Adelphi University, where she was on their dance team. Before the finale, Mrs. Szczesny honored the two graduating seniors, Sadie Feingold, who will be attending New York University’s TISCH School of the Arts and Emily Tyras, who will be studying at University of Kentucky. The two seniors have been with Mrs. Szczesny since freshman year, and have performed in all three showcases. They were handed flowers before their final bow and were sad to say goodbye.
Schreiber students spent countless hours creating this dance showcase, and it definitely showed off! Many students take this class instead of physical education because it brings out their creative side, and introduces them to something new! Dance is such a special sport, as it brings people together, and helps the world shine brighter!
