Nevada Union High School’s Theatrical Dance Program proudly presents the 25th Annual Student Choreography Showcase, running Thursday, February 19 through Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. Performances will take place at the Don Baggett Theater, located at 11761 Ridge Road, Grass Valley.
This popular annual production features 20 student choreographers who have created original dance works in a wide variety of styles. Each piece is taught by the student choreographers to their peers during after-school and weekend rehearsals, highlighting student leadership, creativity, and collaboration.
Among this year’s choreographers is junior Tabby Gillespie, who is choreographing for the first time. Her piece is set to “Benny and the Jets” by Elton John. “I want to share a positive vibe with the audience, conveying that dance doesn’t need to be taken so seriously,” Gillespie said. “Dance has always been a place where I can be myself and has shaped me as a person.”
Senior Eryn Miller, a four-year member of the Advanced Dance class, is choreographing for the third year in the Showcase. This year, Miller presents two works—one for the intermediate class and one for her advanced peers. Her advanced piece, titled “For Grammy,” is a tribute to her grandmother. “I dance not just for myself, but to feel the everlasting love she had for my dance,” Miller said. “I want to honor her memory and give thanks to who she was.”
Junior Charlotte des Tombe combines her passions for dance and songwriting by presenting an original song and choreography titled “Blue Eyes.” Her piece explores the emotional process of coping with loss.
Also featured is senior advanced dancer and Theatrical Dance Club President Annie Armstrong, who choreographed two dances—one for a Beginning Dance class and one for Advanced. Both works reflect her transition from childhood to adulthood and her experiences over four years in the Nevada Union Dance Program. “This program has been like a home to me,” Armstrong wrote in her choreography proposal, “and I am grateful for my friends and the connections I have made here.”
Now celebrating its 25th year, the Student Choreography Showcase began as a senior project twenty-four years ago, when current dance teacher Courtney Wadman was a senior in the Advanced Dance class. Alongside her peers and under the guidance of teacher Yelena Holt, the project evolved into a lasting annual tradition.
Tickets are $15, with all seating reserved. Tickets may be purchased online at www.nevadauniondance.com/tickets. Online ticket sales close at 10:00 a.m. on the day of each performance to prepare the box office. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the box office beginning two hours before each performance, cash or check only.
For additional information, please contact the Nevada Union Dance Department at (530) 273-4431 ext. 2103 or email [email protected].
