3/2008

Margi Cole, creator of the Chicago company Dance COLEctive, was a guest teacher for Ms. Hart’s 4^th Period Modern Dance Class. In addition to leading the class, Margi led a discussion on her company and their most note-worthy piece at the moment, Written on the Body, choreographed by Margi herself. The students studied the three women of the 19^th Century, Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte, who had to write under pseudonyms in order to get their personal work out into the public.

On February 21^st, 13 dancers went on a fieldtrip to see the Dance COLEctive perform at the Columbia Dance Center in Chicago. In addition to Written on the Body, RB students saw 3 other dances entitled: Wise Women Don’t Love(World Premiere), at the receding edges(2006), and Channel(1999). Afterwards, the students were able to participate in a question and answer session with all the dancers and Margi.

On Tuesday, February 25^th, Repertory Dance Company performed at the Riverside Presbyterian Church. The company was the entertainment for the chili dinner, which is put on by the AAUW as a fundraiser for local student artist scholarships. Also, RDC recently performed for Ames Elementary School in Riverside as a part of the Educational Outreach program. The students’ thorough enjoyment of the show was evident by their loud laughter, smiling faces, and through comments during the post show discussions, in which the dancers visited the 4^th and 5^th grade classrooms. All teachers received handouts and coloring pages to initiate discussion.

The annual Orchesis Dance Workshop, is currently taking registrations for children in grades 1^st-8^th that would like perform at this year’s Orchesis show. Please go to www.rbhs208.org/FAWebpage/DANCEPAGEHOME.htm to learn more.

Congratulations to the following student choreographers for the 2008 Orchesis show:

Lauren DeRosier

Natalie Godlewski

Angela Gonzalez

Danielle Kovak

Alexandra Musial

Jessica Piper

Cassandra Shugailo

Lindsey Stirek

“That was the most spectacular performance of my life. It was a real ego boost,” said senior Isabelle Collazo. Fourteen dancers performed six colorful dances at Komarek Elementary School, for over 500 students! Audience members performing the wave, learning a movement sequence and even being invited to perform with the RB dancers and performing in large bags are only a few of the day highlights. After the performance, RB students went into different classroom and answered questions, drew pictures and even signed autographs! It was evident that the energy and AWE, from the students at Komarek, warmed the hearts of our RB dancers! Congratulations, Dancers!

Another opportunity to share our love of dance was performing at LaGrange Park Library as a part of the Nadine Festival of the Arts. The dancers performed for a few lucky children and even transformed some of them into “mini-bag” dancers.

RDC and Orchesis even had some fun, right at home at RB! Special guest teacher Jeff Hancock, held a class for the Orchesis Dance Company and spoke to over 125 students as a part of career day. Dance technique classes attended a fieldtrip on Tuesday, Feb. 20^th to see the Cerque Riveria Dance Theatre perform “Stones of Hope,” a tribute to Maya Angelo, Martin Luther Kind Jr. and black history month.

A shout out to choreographer Isabelle Collazo and Le Zut Banane dancers for being chosen to perform at this year’s high school dance festival in May. Dancers had to perform for a panel of professional dance artists. Other than that, dancers and choreographer are getting antsy to begin rehearsals for this year’s May dance concert. Be sure to keep your eyes open for ticket sales!

CONGRATULATIONS DANCERS! A special thank you and congratulations to everyone who auditioned for this year’s Orchesis Dance Company. After attending a two-day workshop and performing for a panel of outside judges 43 dancers were selected for this year’s Orchesis Dance Company.

Orchesis rehearsals will begin the week of February 25^th and include guest teachers, choreographers and student choreographers.

The annual Orchesis holiday fundraiser raised 1100.00; selling a total of 251 red, white and pink poinsettias. Thank you to everyone who participated in buying and/or selling the plants. The money raised will be used to help pay for this year’s guest choreographers.

Orchesis dancers are looking forward to a holiday party on Monday, December 10^th. Dancers will find out their “Orcha” Buddy, play silly games and of course EAT! Don’t forget to bring treats and a little something for your “Orcha Buddy!”

Repertory Dance Company

The RB Repertory Dance Company has been busy rehearsing every Monday and performing at various venues. Chicago Dance Slam, Day of Service, Fine Arts Survey “Informance”, RB telethon, Riverside Days, and We Are RB are to name a few. Currently, RDC is preparing to perform a holiday medley at the Brookfield Village Hall on Saturday, December 1^st and the Scottish Homes- one of our favorite performances. Once the dancers return from winter break they will begin to prepare for an educational out reach performance for local elementary schools and the Illinois High School State Dance Adjudication on Feb. 16^th.

If you are interested in having the RB Repertory Dance Company perform at a function please contact Mindy Hart at 708-442-7500, ext. 222 or mhart@rbhs208.org.

Dates To Remember

Mandatory Orchesis Ballet Classes-

Dance Workshop Registration Begins (ages 8-14)

Orchesis Rehearsals Begin- Feb. 25, 2008

Open Ballet Class

Every Monday from 6- 7:15

Little Theatre, Rm 110

The Orchesis Dance Company Performs at Brookfield’s Octoberfest

On Saturday, September 25^th at 3:00 RB’s Orchesis Dance Company performed an educational arts outreach program sharing their knowledge and love of the performing arts to the community. Ms. Hart discussed the unique class offerings of Riverside Brookfield High School. Dancers answered audience’s questions, commented on the need to have a creative outlet such as honors choreography and dance technique classes during the school day and the abundance of choreography and performing opportunities offered here at R.B.H.S. The twenty-two dancers performed at total of eight dances. A special thank you to RB parent and village trustee Linda Stevanovich. Ms. Stevanovich extended an invitation to perform at this year’s Octoberfest and graciously bought all the performers hot fudge sundaes. Hmmm, good.

Hosts & Performs in a “Winter Dance Concert”

On Friday Feb. 6^th at 7:30PM RB’s Orchesis Dance Company, LT’s Eurhythmics and OPRF’s Orchesis Dance Company will come together and perform a “tri-concert. Each school will present three dances and perform an introduction and finale together. The introduction will be choreographed by guest choreographer Tony Peryna from River North Dance Company. A total of 80 some dancers will share the stage. Prior to the performance dancers will participate in a “Day of Dance.” This “Day of Dance” will include a 9:00AM arrival. At 9:30 the girls will be playing a name game and from 10-11:00 they will take a pilates class. From 11:15- 12 the girls will get a chance to brainstorm ideas with each other, comparing and contrasting their dance companies. From 12:45-2:45 they will be choreographing and rehearsing their Finale in the Auditorium with guest choreographer and teacher, Mr. Terry Wethington of LTHS. From 3-4:30 the dancers will attend a modern dance class with yet another guest teacher, Beth McNeil of Columbia College. Following class the girls will begin a two hour dress rehearsal from 5-7:00. The show will begin promptly at 7:30! So come support the hard working dancers on Friday Feb. 6^th. Tickets are limited so be sure to reserve your tickets today, just call (708) 442-7500 ext. 106!!!

Holiday Happenings on RDC:

Over the holiday season the Repertory dancers took a trip to visit the elderly at the Scottish Homes in December. They were treated to a performance including six repertory pieces. The pieces performed were: Fading Leaves, the Nutcracker, Swingin’ Christmas, Ustad Part II, Untitled Duet, and Fighter. As the elderly did enjoy all of the holiday pieces, their favorite seemed to be Ustad Part II, clearly stating that it was unlike anything they had ever seen before. In between each piece the dancers answered any questions they had for the girls. Following the performance the RDC dancers enjoyed cookies and juice with their audience. The dancers included; Nicole Biziarek, Sydney Cokins, Mara Crestani, Caroline Gangware, Jeanette Luciano, Ann Marie Manzoeillo, Kanako Narimiski, Elyse Presta, Lauren Simonelis, Leila Stehlik-Barry and Jessica Svaicer, Kandace Van Dahm

ODC dancers DO NOT FORGET about your $40.00 costume fee for the upcoming season of dance. Please get you’re your money to Ms. Hart ASAP!

Feb. 6^th’s Performance Tickets- 3.00 students/seniors and 5.00 for adults

Tickets are limited so be sure to reserve your tickets today, just call (708) 442-7500 ext. 106!!!

The First Ever RBHS Dance Workshop & Performance Fundraiser

Good Luck College Auditionees:

Wishing the best of luck to all seniors auditioning for college dance programs as incoming freshmen, class of 2008. We our proud of you!

Orchesis & Repertory Dance Company AUDITIONS!!!

Orchesis Dance Company and Repertory Dance Company auditions will take place Wednesday, November 17^th and Thursday, November 18^th from 3:15-5:30 in the main auditorium. No previous training is necessary to audition for either dance company. Students will take a technique class, learn an across the floor combination, learn a dance and perform in-groups of three for a panel of judges. A pre-audition practice date will be offered the week prior to the auditions. Time and place is TBD. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Hart at mhart@rbhs208.org or 708-442-7500 ext. 222

Orchesis Dance Company Performs at Brookfield’s Oktoberfest

Saturday, September 25^th at 3:00 RB’s Orchesis Dance Company performed for the Village of Brookfield’s third annual Oktoberfest. Twenty-two dancers performed a total of eight dances and used this opportunity to educate the community about dance. Ms. Hart discussed how art fosters creative thinking, teaches innovative ways to problem-solve, promotes a positive self-image, an outlet for expression and others. Students answered questions from the audience and commented on the unique classes offered at Riverside Brookfield High School. The day ended with everyone enjoying a complementary hot fudge sundae from Cock Robbins. A special thank you to village trustee and RB parent Linda Stevanovich for the invitation to perform, once again, at this fine event..

Chicago Dance Festival- “Dance Slam”

Orchesis Dance Company will perform at this year’s Chicago Dance Slam. Tuesday, November 16^th and Tuesday, November 23^rd. It has not yet been finalized which piece or pieces will be chosen for this year’s dance slam.

Dance Theory & Technique I and Honors Advanced Choreography I & III classes will attend a private performance and discussion of Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre on Thursday, December 9^th. In addition to attending the performance the artistic director of the company, Jeff Hancock, will return to Riverside Brookfield High School to teach technique classes and talk with our students.

Poinsettia Sales begin Monday, November 22^nd. Poinsettia pick-up will be Thursday, December 9^th from 3:30-5:30 in the alumni lounge.

“Look Ms. Hart… I am bursting.”

Rachael Graening, 05

“I wonder if this class (Fine Arts Survey) will sharpen my listening skills?” I think this class will sharpen my listening skills.”

Nick Fajdich, 06

“I wonder how much these skills (observing, exploring, discovery) will help me grow?” I think they will help me a lot because they make a lot of sense.”

Brittany Sapienza, 08

Orchesis Dance Company Auditions

Orchesis is one of the most exciting programs here at RB! It’s a chance to meet new people while exploring the fine art of dance. The Orchesis Dance Company rehearses after school, M-TH beginning mid February, for our annual performance. The Orchesis dance company will give three performances showing off all the different styles of dance.

For those of you, who would like to participate in the Orchesis Dance Company, come attend the dance workshop and audition in the main auditorium on November 16, 17, & 18th. The auditions will be for the Orchesis Dance Company and the RB Repertory Dance Company (RDC). At the workshop you will be taught all the skills needed for the audition. Don’t miss your chance!

Events

· Need to brush up on your technique? Or just looking for something fun to try? Come to Ms. Hart’s Wednesday night Int/Adv Ballet class. 7:00-8:30 Wednesdays

· Orchesis Dance Company will be having its annual poinsettia fundraising sale beginning Tuesday, November 22^nd.Don’t forget to order through Orchesis!

Upcoming Performances

· On October 22^nd Orchesis will be performing on RBTV.

· On Tuesday, November 22^nd the Repertory Dance Company will be performing at the Athenaeum Theatre for Chicago’s Dance Slam festival.

· The Repertory Dance Company will be performing with Lyons Township and Oak Park River Forest for our annual tri-concert. The three dance companies will take numerous dance classes throughout the day, set their own dance, and showcase their own choreographed pieces in a performance, date is TBD. Be sure to check it out!

· For the first time Orchesis Dance Company will dance at a festival held at Lake Zurich High School. This all day long performance will be on Saturday, March 18, 2006.

“This is one of the best parts of my day.” -Erik Hayes, 08

Fine Arts Survey

“Ms. Hart, Dance is just good stuff.” -Brittany Vogel, 06

Dance Theory & Technique I