LIHSA Dance Department

LIHSA Dance Department: Kicking off the Year with Growth, Technique, and Professional Immersion

The LIHSA Dance Department has jumped into the school year with energy, passion, and dedication, setting the stage for an incredible season of growth and performance. From immersive residencies to rigorous technique training, students are gaining invaluable experiences that bridge the gap between high school education and professional dance careers.

The Dance Repertory Company has already had an exciting start to the year with two incredible residencies. Ashley Eichbauer Newman, a dancer, choreographer, educator, and Dance Curriculum Specialist at The Juilliard School K-12 Programs, joined the students to share her expertise in both performance and choreography. As a Dance Teaching Artist for Lincoln Center Education and Associate Artistic Director of The Chase Brock Experience, Ashley brought a wealth of professional knowledge and insight into the creative process. Additionally, the company worked with Christina Lynch- Markham from the Paul Taylor Dance Company, further deepening their understanding of what it’s like to work as part of a professional company. These residencies are providing students with invaluable experiences that blur the lines between high school training and life as a professional dancer.

Additionally, the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) residency is in full swing under the guidance of resident artist Wendy Palmer Clark. Students are focusing on building a solid foundation in classical ballet technique, which is essential for their growth as versatile dancers.

In the studio, LIHSA’s modern classes have been delving into the timeless techniques of Horton and Limon, providing students with the technical tools to excel in both contemporary and traditional movement. Meanwhile, the Jazz students have recently been exploring Giordano technique, expanding their movement vocabulary and strengthening their performance skills. The Contemporary class has been focusing on floor work and exploring fall and recovery, allowing students to develop strength, control, and fluidity as they move through dynamic, grounded sequences.

Beyond the dance studio, the Dance History class has enriched students’ understanding of dance’s rich cultural heritage. They recently wrapped up a unit on the Romantic Ballet era, where they learned about the groundbreaking works and figures that shaped the foundation of classical ballet as we know it.

With such a dynamic and comprehensive approach, LIHSA’s Dance Department is setting the bar high for the upcoming year. The combination of technical training, professional exposure, and academic study prepares students not only for the stage but for a lifetime in the arts. Stay tuned to see how these talented dancers continue to evolve!

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