Nevada Union High School’s Theatrical Dance Department presents the 21st annual Student Choreography Showcase on Friday, March 4th at 7pm and Saturday, March 5th at 2pm and 7pm in the Don Baggett Theater, 11761 Ridge Road, Grass Valley.
Eleven student choreographers have created dances in a variety of styles, taught to their peers in after-school and weekend rehearsals. Before each piece, the choreographers will give a short, video-recorded speech about their inspiration, the challenges they overcame, and the value of this experience.
Senior advanced dancer and President of the Theatrical Dance Club, Lahela Horowitz, choreographed two pieces for the show, including a restaging of a hula dance to the song “My Little Grass Shack” for the intermediate dance class. Sophomore Ava Pritchett’s piece begins with the dancers seated at a dining table, utilizing chairs and plates as props. Junior Maddie Malak choreographed a contemporary ballet piece, set to the song “To Build a Home” by the Cinematic Orchestra, and senior Malia Wiggs chose the song “Blackbird” by the Beatles. The show concludes with a feel-good finale set to Elvis’ “Jailhouse Rock,” featuring all of the student choreographers and excerpts from their dances.
This annual production is an audience favorite. It began as a senior project twenty years ago, when current dance teacher, Courtney Wadman, was a senior in the advanced dance class. Wadman, along with some of her fellow dancers, wanted to create a production of student works. Under the supervision and guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Holt, Student Choreography Showcase has become an annual tradition.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.nevadauniondance.com/tickets/. All seating is reserved, and ticket prices are $15. Online sales close at 9:00 a.m. the morning of the performance to prepare the box office. Remaining tickets will be sold at the box office, cash or check only, beginning 2 hours before each performance.
For additional information, contact the Nevada Union Dance Department at (530) 273-4431 ext. 2103 or email nuhsdance@gmail.com.