50p
The Brentwood Dance Program Strikes Again
This past week, Brentwood’s Dance Program returned to the stage and put on their annual Evening of Dance. For the first time in three years, our school community and members of the public were welcomed into the warm, cushy seats of the Killy Theatre rather than watching via livestream.
This year’s show is called STRIKE! and it was the first to feature Brentwood’s re-structured program. Now, Brentwood dancers can indulge as a fine art and/or as a sport, allowing for more dancers but more flexibility within the program.
Dance Program Coordinator Ms Amy Staples wanted STRIKE! to represent “The striking of a match. The quick burst of energy, as well as new beginnings that fire brings, was something we drew on in class. We liked the idea of the ever-changing flames of a fire and the warmth it brings.”
This year was the first with the newly structured program featuring dance on arts and sports days and Ms Staples knew she had a special group: “These dancers were so committed the entire year. They would come to extra rehearsals, practice in the studio, and really take ownership of the work that they were presenting. They were unique in their positivity and collective spirit, really focussing on working together as a team. You could probably hear when we were performing. The dancers were supporting one another backstage which was something that I really tried to implement this year. We also had larger class sizes and we introduced the sport program and dance company making this year extra special and involving a lot more dancers.”
She also gives a special shout-out to her Grade 12 leaders for all their help throughout the year: “It was wonderful because we had Grade 12 dancers in every single class this year, meaning that we really had leaders stepping up in every class. Megan Tuck, Alex ‘22, has been in the program since Grade 8 so she's been here longer than I have. The 12s were extremely supportive and really set the tone of commitment to the craft.”
Honourary Sports Dance Captain Ramona J, Alex ‘22 has been one of these leaders: “Dance was a big part of my childhood and I’m very grateful that I have been able to continue to pursue it through Brentwood’s wonderful program.”
It was awesome to see our dancers live and in person once again and they certainly put on an incredible show. The 12s have definitely left this program in good hands and the future is bright as Ms Staples continues to lead this program forward.
Will P, Whittall ‘22
This year’s show is called STRIKE! and it was the first to feature Brentwood’s re-structured program. Now, Brentwood dancers can indulge as a fine art and/or as a sport, allowing for more dancers but more flexibility within the program.
Dance Program Coordinator Ms Amy Staples wanted STRIKE! to represent “The striking of a match. The quick burst of energy, as well as new beginnings that fire brings, was something we drew on in class. We liked the idea of the ever-changing flames of a fire and the warmth it brings.”
This year was the first with the newly structured program featuring dance on arts and sports days and Ms Staples knew she had a special group: “These dancers were so committed the entire year. They would come to extra rehearsals, practice in the studio, and really take ownership of the work that they were presenting. They were unique in their positivity and collective spirit, really focussing on working together as a team. You could probably hear when we were performing. The dancers were supporting one another backstage which was something that I really tried to implement this year. We also had larger class sizes and we introduced the sport program and dance company making this year extra special and involving a lot more dancers.”
She also gives a special shout-out to her Grade 12 leaders for all their help throughout the year: “It was wonderful because we had Grade 12 dancers in every single class this year, meaning that we really had leaders stepping up in every class. Megan Tuck, Alex ‘22, has been in the program since Grade 8 so she's been here longer than I have. The 12s were extremely supportive and really set the tone of commitment to the craft.”
Honourary Sports Dance Captain Ramona J, Alex ‘22 has been one of these leaders: “Dance was a big part of my childhood and I’m very grateful that I have been able to continue to pursue it through Brentwood’s wonderful program.”
It was awesome to see our dancers live and in person once again and they certainly put on an incredible show. The 12s have definitely left this program in good hands and the future is bright as Ms Staples continues to lead this program forward.
Will P, Whittall ‘22