On Nov. 14, the York Dance Program hosted its annual Winter Showcase. The concert included five dances, showcasing performers from both the Concert Dance class and York Dance Company. With two dances being entirely student choreographed, and improvisation being a key feature in other pieces, the program gives students a chance to create and learn.
While York Dance Company (YDC) is an extracurricular activity with rehearsals after school, students can also take concert dance class during their school day. Dance classes can be taken for a PE or Fine Arts credit, and all of these courses are taught by dance teacher Michelle Jensen.
“When I think about putting a program together, we start with the Collage Concert,” Jensen said. “I try to put something together that fits in well with the band, orchestra, choir groups. From there it starts developing once I know what the YDC pieces are, through the audition process. Then from there I can also build out what Concert Dance is going to study.”
Every year the dance program focuses on different elements of dance. While each concert has a good variety of genres, the winter concert incorporated more musical theater elements.
“The vibe of this year is a lot more theatrical. I always have a very big drama heavy group, which I love,” Jensen said. “This year in particular, I really wanted to amp up their dramatics.”
Just as many students in YDC are enrolled in concert dance, many members of YDC are involved in other areas of performing arts. This year, Jensen wanted to hone in on this intersectionality with the dance selection of Hot Honey Rag from the musical Chicago.
“I love Hot Honey Rag because I love musical theater,” senior Elizabeth Kungl said. “The energy is just always there, there’s so much to do. I love that dance so much and it’s a great closer”
This dance is also the first dance Jensen has choreographed to include live singing by the dancers. Juniors Eva Vitillaro and Eloise Hill had singing roles throughout the piece. Similarly The Exam, the opening number and Collage Concert piece, required dancers to make distinct acting choices throughout.
“Our College Concert piece gets me every time,” Jensen said. “I can’t help but kind of smile and giggle and notice each individual student’s personality as they explore that piece.”
The dancers use desks and papers throughout the piece to tell the story of a strict teacher and rambunctious kids on exam day. Set to orchestral music, the dance combines dramatic movements and technique with chaotic acting choices and expressions.
“I get to act with Quinn and everyone else around me, it’s kind of like we’re dancing but we’re also making crazy faces and like ‘look at this test,’” senior and student choreographer Aidan Espinosa said. “It’s just really fun to just be silly and dance with friends.”
In addition to the individual choices dancers can make in pisces choreographed by Jensen there is also opportunity for students to take on that choreographer role. This winter, Espinosa and fellow senior Brooklyn Nuss choreographed dances for the York Dance Company.
“My favorite part about choreographing a dance is the collaboration that goes into it,” Nuss said. “There’s a lot of input that comes from the fellow dancers I am working with. It’s really nice to have such an inclusive environment.”
The dance entitled ‘Slip’ was a large group number with contemporary movement. The dance expresses the pain of losing what you have and can be interpreted in a variety of ways. This group interpretation is what Espinosa enjoys most about the dance he choreographed.
“When you choreograph something and you try to teach people, it’s really interesting what happens when people interpret it differently than how you do,” Espinosa said. “It adds a whole new element to the creative process.”
Espinosa’s dance is about how people can get stuck in a robotic grin and forget about the joys of life. The small group number utilizes jazz improvisation to blend meaning and movement. Both choreographers have embraced their role in YDC and have enjoyed seeing dance from a new perspective.
“It’s really nice to be able to work with my friends and my peers,” Nuss said. “I’m teaching them the moves, but then they make it their own.”
The choreographers try to keep Jensens teaching methods in mind when working with their fellow dancers. Jensen strives to create a space for students to be vulnerable and share their love of dance, and dancers value the environment that has been created as a result.
“I would describe the York Dance community as very welcoming, very building,” Kungl said. “I know throughout all the struggles I’ve had, throughout my whole high school career, this black box and everyone in it is always going to be there for me.”
Putting comradery at the forefront of the program gives students the confidence to embrace their role in the company. By making every student feel seen, heard, and supported, dancers gain far more than just a dance education.
“I think building a community comes first,” Jensen said. “When you walk into the black box doors, my number one goal is to make sure students feel like they belong here. Dance is very vulnerable. You’re putting yourself out there in a new way, and to build that community it takes time.”
