In a scene out of the TV show Glee or if you're older, the movie Fame, about 120 students from six Simcoe County high schools had the chance to learn some new moves from professional choreographers and leaders in the dance industry.
Choreographers Ilya Bodyakin, Allison Bradley and Brittany Lavigne led the aspiring performers through different workshops Thursday at The Dance Experience on Anne St. South.
The event was hosted by Bear Creek Secondary School’s dance department, in collaboration with the Arts and Culture Specialist High Skills (SHSM) program.
“The students have worked hard to organize this amazing event for all secondary dance programs in the SCDSB,” says Heather Robert, teacher at Bear Creek Secondary School. “We’re thrilled to have three dance professionals from Barrie and Toronto join us to connect classroom theory with practice to solidify their learning.”
SHSM is a government-funded program.
Twenty students each from the six schools - Bradford, Innisdale, Eastview, Nottawasaga, Bear Creek, Nantyr Shores - were put through the paces and after had the opportunity to ask the professionals questions.
"They're taking dance workshops in three different genres. We have hip hop, contemporary and jazz. We brought up people from Toronto and one from Barrie, local and right in the heart of the industry," said Robert.
"They're here to teach high school students what's happening in the dance industry right now."
Participants were from all grades and included aspiring dancers, choreographers, artists and a videographer whose passion is dance of film.
"Some of the students are in the SHM program. Those that are not might be in grade 9 or 10 they might still be exploring what they want to do. This might be an opportunity to say, hey, this is what I really love," Robert said.
