Inside Peek Into the Dance Performance
The 2022 winter dance performance had its opening night on the 2nd of December. As students and faculty flooded the auditorium, excitement filled the air. The audience anxiously waited to see what the Western Reserve Academy dance program would bring to the table. Titled Out of The Box, the dance performance was themed around popular television programs from the 90s to the present. Shows like Euphoria, Saved by the Bell, and Squid Games were featured in this fantastic performance, and as always, the hard work put in by the dancers during tech week was apparent, but what really happens behind the scenes?
A night visiting the behind-the-scenes of the dance performance tech week revealed the level of work these performers devote outside the classroom. As dance is not a typical art class at WRA, it requires students to dedicate a significant amount of out-of-class time to prepare for their performance. Tech week consists of four practice nights from 6:30 to 10 leading up to opening night. The first two nights of the week start with regular rehearsals; dancers are not expected to be in full costume and makeup. By Wednesday night, they are in full costume and are expected to run through the full show smoothly. On Thursday night, the dancers perform the show from start to finish for faculty members that otherwise would not be able to attend the performance.
As students began to enter the KFAC auditorium, the hustle and bustle of the night started. Before the rehearsal began, all of the students gathered in the auditorium as the head director of WRA’s dance department, Ms. Velbeck, took attendance and made announcements concerning the night ahead. Following these announcements, the KFAC hallways quickly became flooded with dancers talking to their friends, catching up on homework and rushing from one spot to the next, as they prepared to go on stage. Despite the stress of their busy schedules and upcoming performances, these students’ spirits were high, and they approached the night with a positive attitude.
Many remarked how this experience brought them closer to people they have never met before and bonded across grades. A first-year dancer, Astrid Meija ’24 discussed how tech week has been her favorite part of dance at WRA and how much closer she has become with her peers because of it.
The WRA dance program also provides students with challenges and opportunities unlike any other at WRA. A first-year dancer, Jeffery Krapf ’23 commented on the positive effects of these unique challenges, stating, “going through this experience, conquering my fear of being on the stage and all that anxiety is going to provide me with more confidence.” Several dancers agreed with this sentiment, commenting on how the dance program at WRA truly accepts dancers at all levels and pushes them to tackle new and exciting challenges. Members of the honors dance program who have previously competed in dance remarked how positive and supportive the environment of WRA dance is.
Whether it is learning a new skill or making a new friend, the WRA dance program is unique; it allows students to challenge and express themselves. The hard work and commitment of these students have created a prominent and anticipated tradition on campus.
– Jenny Williams ’23
The Reserve Record 