The Arts at St. Margaret’s and Extensions program presented the Dance Conservatory Sharing on Saturday in the Hurlbut Theater. This year, dancers performed with students in their own grade level. The informal sharing was designed to allow the dancers to get a feel for being on stage in a more relaxed atmosphere before their show in the Spring.

 

More than 55 students from Early School through grade 5 performed. They represent seven after-school dance classes that are taught by dance faculty Noelle Snavely, Carri Burbank Glenn, Carly Taberski with Director of Dance Kirsten Harvey. This fall, the teachers either started with ballet or jazz and then built on their technical progress.

 

The upbeat event featured dances to Christmas-themed songs such as “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” to the classic “Jingle Bell Rock.” The opening number was performed by Early School dancers to “The Happiest Christmas Tree”, which received an enthusiastic audience response. According to Mrs. Harvey, “Everyone really loved seeing them learn to stand in their places and dance together.” The dances that followed were kindergarten, grade 1 dance, grade 2 dance, another Early School dance, grade 4 dance, grade 3 dance and grade 5 dance.

 

This year’s sharing could not have been as successful backstage without the help of Upper School and Middle School student volunteers. Senior Makayla Arnoldi, freshman Tori Clark, sophomore David Greuel, grade 8 student Drake Harvey, and sophomore Ella Jia. Ms. Harvey said, “It was extraordinary how much they helped by escorting the students and providing encouragement. In return, the volunteers said it was one of their greatest experiences working with the little kids.”

Health and safety protocols were followed by dancers and audience members.

The Dance Conservatory Spring 2022 Concert will take place in April.