Timber Creek’s Dance Program Spring Premiere Online Show
By Gabrielle Nash
This past school year has presented significant challenges for schools throughout the country. Each state has managed different ways to navigate the pandemic, and keep this generation’s education effective while maintaining social distancing. Although the teaching aspect has been challenging, there is another array of challenges presented for visual arts programs. For example, at Timber Creek High School, each visual arts program has faced various obstacles while trying to practice their favorite crafts. For the dance program in particular, they have tried to remain as positive as possible with all of the changes that occurred during the school year. Dance is an interactive sport, therefore, touching and social distancing has provided significant difficulties for the students. Nevertheless, with a passionate director and head team coach Tara Perry, these students have been able to accomplish wonderful results.
Instead of partaking in the winter show that the dance program normally has during February. The program has decided to put on a virtual show premiering dances that the students have been practicing all year. Due to safety guidelines, only three classes were able to perform, including Technique 4, the Apprentice Team, and the Elite Team. These are the three highest dance classes that are offered at Timber Creek High School and these students are passionate about their craft. The show was about thirty minutes and it encompassed great pieces of choreography that were done by both the students and Mrs. Perry. There was a widely supportive turnout and the students were encouraged by their family and friends even through the computer or television screen. The tickets were free to accommodate with the uncontrollable environment, however, donations were available to offer for the dance program. The community is quite supportive of the visual arts and it was exhilarating to see the immense support for the students. The preview itself is open for viewing for about two weeks for anyone that purchased tickets while they were on sale. The production itself was well received and the videography and lighting teams worked really hard to pull together the beautiful show.
Moreover, Co-captain of the Elite Team, senior Ashley Walesh, speaks about her experience while recording the dances. Walesh states, “As a hard working team we really overcame all of the obstacles this year that were thrown at us. We were able to come together and still give a great performance even though it was not what our normal circumstances were.” Alongside the other leaders on the team Walesh has had to step up and work extra hard to maintain the balance and positivity on the team. Walesh and captain Caelynn Stark were involved in various activities helping alongside Mrs. Perry and the production. Similarly, sophomore Grace Boyle on the Elite team states, “Recording for the preview show was definitely a completely different experience than we were all used to. I know we all desperately wanted a live audience to get the energy that we needed for our dances, but we will be back soon enough. All that matters is that we had eachother, and it turned out great!” It is agreed between both members of the team that although this situation is not ideal, there is still a lot of positivity and gratefulness towards our team’s bond.
Although this school year has demonstrated multiple troubles, the dance program has continued to persevere through these unprecedented times. Mrs. Perry along with the rest of the dancers have kept a positive attitude even when dance routines seemed impossible to complete or the spirits were not high. Dance is an inclusive sport and it is all about the importance of teamwork and true passion. The dance program is stronger than ever and they will have two more shows this year. One senior showcase which is a virtual show and a rather exciting live show in May.
