Nevada Union High School’s Theatrical Dance program proudly presents the 23rd annual Student Choreography Showcase on Friday, March 1st and Saturday, March 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Don Baggett Theater, 11761 Ridge Road, Grass Valley.
Eighteen student choreographers have created dances in a variety of styles, taught to their peers in after-school and weekend rehearsals. Before each piece, the choreographers will present a short, video-recorded speech about their inspiration, the challenges they overcame, and the value of this experience.
Senior Dawn Maciulis choreographed a hip hop/jazz funk dance set to the song “Back it Up” by Caro Emerald. Reflecting on her song choice, Maciulis said, “ I really wanted to use this dance as a way to express my gratitude for my time here in the N.U. Dance program. My piece is about my love for dance and how I would wish I could back up and do the dance program all over again.”
Junior Tavia Whitestone began dancing as a freshman in the beginning level at NU. She is now in the advanced class and choreographing for the first time. Her piece, titled “Tidal Wave,” is inspired by the mesmerizing movement of jellyfish. She created an original costume and lighting design, and the start of her piece features a video projection of jellyfish as a backdrop to the dancers’ movement.
This year’s Showcase will also feature a piece for the “Beginning Dance for All Abilities Class.” This class partners students with moderate to severe special needs with general education students. Two peer tutors for this class, senior Kaitlyn O’Looney and junior Madison Shelton, worked together to choreograph a fun, upbeat dance to Bruno Mars’ hit song “Uptown Funk.” They incorporated favorite dance moves from each person in the class.
The grand finale to this show features each student choreographer performing an excerpt from their piece, set to the song “Dancing Queen” by Abba.
This annual production is an audience favorite. It began as a senior project twenty-two years ago, when current dance teacher, Courtney Wadman, was a senior in the advanced dance class. Wadman, along with some of her fellow dancers, wanted to create a production of student works, and the Student Choreography Showcase has become an annual tradition.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.nevadauniondance.com/tickets/. All seating is reserved, and ticket prices are $15. Online sales close at 9:00 a.m. the morning of the performance to prepare the box office. Remaining tickets will be sold at the box office, cash or check only, beginning 2 hours before each performance.
For additional information, contact the Nevada Union Dance Department at (530) 273-4431 ext. 2103 or email nuhsdance@gmail.com.