7 | The Bell February 2016
Performing Arts
Balance Has Found its Way Into Our Dance Show! Isabella Attianese ’18 and Juhi Rayonia ’18
Photos by Juhi Rayonia ’18
The Suffield Academy Dance Company put on a performance like no other this February. It tied into this year’s theme: balance. Our team, which consists of 12 members, performed a variety of dances, making sure to never repeat one specific style of dance. Our captain this year is Cari Cyr ’17, and the rest of the team consists of a mixture of returning and new dancers. This year our goal was to try new styles of dance rather than narrowing our genre to one style of dance. Some of the styles we showcased this year included contemporary, hip hop, jazz, traditional African and Caribbean dance, Burlesque, and lyrical. We have had three instructors come in to teach us new techniques and choreography. However, several team members were given the opportunity to choreograph some of the dances as well. The dance team also had the
opportunity to travel to a circus-training center in northern New England to learn how to work with silks and tightrope walking. Alumnus Matt Wiggin ’06, choreographer Ally Czerniak, and faculty member Mrs. Depelteau all came in and worked with us. We also incorporated surprise appearances by students from other arts and athletic departments, like select players from the varsity boys’ soccer team, into the dance show. In this way, we got more students involved in Suffield’s budding dance program. It is also important to recognize Mrs. Nahmens, the director, as well as the tech crew because this show would not have been possible without their constant support and hard work. The members of the dance team put in a lot of effort to try to create an enjoyable show for our peers, and they appreciate the enthusiastic support of the community!