A few weeks filled of twirls, twists, and tendus…
As the dance program prepares for the winter showcase, the dance students work hard to choreograph and clean their pieces. While these rehearsals may be tiresome at times, one dance in particular never fails to put a smile on their faces… the wolf pup dance. The dance program each year offers a weekly dance class, for the little wolf pups in the school daycare, over the course of 6 weeks. Throughout the 6 weeks, students apart of the Elite and Apprentice dance teams volunteer for the classes and assist to help the wolf pups learn and reach their full potential.
The dance classes are led by Senior as well as co-captain of the dance team, Ti’ana Raysor. Raysor has been teaching the wolf pups since Sophomore year, and as her third and final year passes by Raysor tries to make the most of it and enjoy the classes before passing the baton to the next student ready to take over. Raysor begins the class with a fun little warm up, filled with butterfly stretches and competitions on who can touch their toes. Afterwards, the wolf pups do exercises across the floor, like turns and leaps to put all that energy to use. Finally, Rasor teaches them the dance which they will perform at the winter showcase, which according to Raysor is her favorite part. When speaking of the actual performance Raysor said “It’s so rewarding to see where they started and how much they have learned with just a few lessons.” Although Raysor’s last class is soon approaching, when asked if she would continue something similar like this in the future she said,”Of course! I love working with kids and being able to pass on my passion for dance is the best feeling.”
Although the dance teacher plays a tremendous role in getting the kids ready for the showcase, the assistants are an important part of the classes which deserve recognition as well. These assistants help with everything, from helping the kids stand in their spot to breaking down the dance moves given by the teacher so no child is ever lost. The assistants allow for a more personal experience with the wolf pups while allowing the wolf pups to ask for as much help and questions they please without overwhelming the teacher. The assistants are able to teach their love of dance while making connections with the kids that they won’t forget. The wolf pups do not only learn from the assistants, but the assistants learn from them as well on how to communicate and teach effectively, creating an amazing learning experience. Junior and Apprentice dance team member, Jarimar Fernandez, is a part of the Early Childhood Program as well as the wolf pup dance class. Contrasting both experiences Fernandez said, “It’s different because in the classroom you are teaching them and reading them books, but they’re more comfortable with me here because I get to interact with them more. However, in the dance room while I assist they seem more relaxed because they get to try things they don’t usually do, and it’s fun for me getting to see what they know.”
As the wolf pup dance classes start coming to a close, Raysor and the assistants work hard to have the kids ready in time for the show. The dance program encourages to go to the winter showcase to witness an overload of cuteness. Dancing to “Tomorrow” from the movie Annie, this adorable choreography and costumes won’t be something you want to miss. The show is Thursday, February 29th, so if you can, come swing by and show your support for the wolf pup dancers!
