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An ingenious initiative Reporter Noemie Faligant

On Friday, February 26th, U-Prep presented “Just Dance,“ directed by James Santos and Marissa Kinneavy, in the Marr Auditorium. At U-Prep there are six dance classes, spanning from junior high school to high school. The show was “a bit different, because for the first time, we decided to make our own show, so I’m very excited,” commented James Santos.

The dance show was divided in two parts.Parading across the stage, sequins shining, the Dance V troupe made an outstanding entrance by dancing to “Just Dance” from Lady Gaga, and introducing an upbeat rhythm to the public, and setting the stage for a great show. The Dance III group followed the same idea and showed a perfect accord of twelve girls in an active cadence. “I love that dance, it moves so fast and we have cute yellow shirts and jean shorts,” affirmed Alexis Olson(7)

The next four dances, composed of novice dancers to experts were anything but mundane. The dancers moved through their routines with precision and grace. To finish the first half of the show, both Dance III and Dance V troupes performed two dances in which the movements were delicate and very appreciable; these Jazz dances varied the rhythm of the show.

After that, Mr. Santos presented a slideshow of each dance class that included photos while they were working in the studios and some when they were outside. It was neat idea, to give a break for the dancers and to provide an entertaining intermission for the public.

Dance I reopened the show by dancing to “Chicago overture” from Tchaikovski. Alexandra Novenschi (7) commented, “This dance was very pleasant to learn.” Dance IIA and IIB kept the show going with different music, tempos and movements, all which were pleasing to the eye. Then, the Dance III group danced to a song called “Rich Man’s Frug,” an energetic swing, in which they were wearing semi-sparkling green and black dresses. After that, Dance V and IV produced two last dances, each based on different songs; the first troupe to grooved to “Life of the Party” and the second one to “I Gotcha.” In this one, the two boys (Tariq and Lane) were not just dancers, but also actors as they expressed the emotions of the song on their faces. The show was concluded by a general dance in which each group was recognized by the audience and their fellow dancers.

This show was an ingenious initiative for several different reasons. From an economic point of view: we all know that with the bad economy U-Prep needs money to finance materials and accessories, especially for dance. A show like this one, with a $4 entry fee, was able to supply the dance classes with the financial means to continue dancing and performing successfully. What’s more, it makes parents happy because they see what their children are doing and how they are progressing. It also makes, for the most part, students joyful because they like to show what they can do.

This show was fulfilling for all involved and hopefully more productions of such grace and beauty are in U-Prep’s future.

The Dance Project's " Steppin' Out" Program: March 19 and 26 at 7p.m , March 20 and 27 at 3pm and 7pm . Tickets are available at The Cascade Theatre box Office or online .