The dance show is one of Redwood’s finest masterpieces that people from here and all around town look forward to. Talented dance choreographers Mrs. Lapp and and Mrs. Bardonnex put together the show’s theme: “Battle of the bands.” One of the dance show days is on April 26th on Friday which is the busiest because it’s opening night. Then, Saturday the 27th is the last show day. It has changed up a bit this year as there is usually 3 show days due to VUSD funding.
The students prepare for the show months in advance and practice in the LJ Williams theater during class and for rehearsals the week of the show. There are dance rehearsals that take place in the classrooms a few months before the show. Everyone makes sure to know the dance because knowing how many people will be watching and the dance teachers test whether you know the dance or not. Preparation also includes not only perfecting the dance but dressing the part as well. Mandatory sheer tights are required and proper footwear such as jazz shoes are completely necessary for safe dancing. There is a mandatory grade in dance too and it’s having an A in the class.
The dancers in the dance program are having a lot of getting ready to do. Anessa Merrill, ’20, says “I go to class everyday, we have to run the dances over and over again although its very tiring its just how we have to get ready for the dance show.” Dressing out and being in class is essential! It’s important to be in dance class lately since the class points are double points and there are no makeup days left until the dance show. Merrill says “I’m in intermediate and international dance this year and I have 5 dances total.” The dance classes have been practicing their dances since of beginning of this year so it’d be great to get a loud and energetic crowd.
The dancers prepare for the dance show by having lots of rehearsal time. The english CAASPP which was during block schedule week gave the dance classes extra practice time when they took place for hours. The preparation we take for this show is no joke. Redwood is known for their organized, brilliantly, and creative of dances so the expectations are very high. Although other schools such as Golden West, Mount Whitney, and EL D put on dance shows also, Redwoods magical version of this production is on a different level. This year we have many solos to look forward to and will be saying farewell to some of our most talented 4 year dancers. Janessa Montano, ’19, says that “The dance show is the highlight of my year and I look forward to it the moment school begins.”
The dance show is a big part of Redwood culture, international dance being the only partner dance class in the district and Redwood has overall great dancers! The dance show will be worth the $10! Come down to the LJ William theater on April 26th & 27th!