By: Mariah Gomez
Redwood dance is not giving up during hard times caused by COVID-19. As the school continues to push through using virtual learning, due to in-person instruction being canceled, dance teacher Mrs. Lapp will not give up and plans on having virtual performances this fall.
With the disappointment of the 20-year Spring Show celebration being canceled, Lapp says, “It is still upsetting to think about…months of preparation and hard work, without the best part…the performance.” With that being said she plans on a virtual performance collaboration in October with the marching band.
This year there are a total of 22 students on the dance team, as well as 29 members in hip hop. They are all continuing to learn new choreography in hopes of more performance opportunities.
“International (taught by Mrs. Bardonnex), Intermediate, and Introduction to Dance are also brushing up those dance skills!” says Mrs. Lapp. In hopes that they can all be dancing together soon!
One problem with virtual dance classes is that it is hard for students to find enough space for a full range of motion and doing other things like turns and leaps. “Everyone needs to make the best of their situation and be creative,” says Lapp.
“Rangers are strong…we will pull through this and be better in the end!” says Mrs. Lapp.
“On a positive note, there are many resources available to dancers now that are free. Artful, DIVA Dance, and other companies offer free dance classes online,” states Lapp. She wants her students to take advantage of these opportunities to add on to the material presented in class.
Lapp believes that there will need to be recovery emotionally and physically when we return back to school.
“With some hard work the strength, stamina, and coordination will all come back. Rangers are strong…we will pull through this and be better in the end!” says Mrs. Lapp.
Mariah Gomez
Mariah Gomez '24 is in her third year with the Redwood Gigantea. She is an editor for the sports section of the Gigantea and loves working with others. Outside of the Gigantea, she enjoys cheering on Redwood High School's varsity cheer team! You can reach Mariah at maria.go5561@vusd.us.
Tags: covid, dance force, danceforce, distance learning, Lisa Bardonnex, Michelle Lapp, redwood dance, redwood high school, visalia
Good to know teams are sticking together through these times! Thank you for this great article.