From Stage to Classroom: Dancers Show Local Students a Day in the Life of a Pro

Calidanza Dance Company, which has been performing LBC’s Posada Navideña since 2019, in December took local students on a unique artistic journey to experience a day in the life of a dancer as part of LBC’s Master Classes and Student Clinics program.

Fifty students from Roseland University Preparatory School (RUP) participated in a student dance clinic led by three Calidanza Dance Company artists – two senior dancers and a drummer. Prior to the clinic, the students saw their instructors perform the traditional Posada dance at the student matinee show along with students from other schools around the county. Thanks to LBC donors and members, RUP’s participation in the clinic, the performance tickets, arts activities in between, and transportation to the LBC all were provided free.

“Experiencing the dancers on stage and participating in the clinic allows students to see their role models in action and to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion with the artistic community,” said Tracy Sawyer, Community Partnerships Supervisor. “It also offers them a lasting appreciation for the arts, which they will carry into their personal and artistic lives.”

Following the Posada’s Mexican folk-dance performance, the Calidanza dancers wanted to expose the students to another style of dance for the clinic. They chose the Aztec dance, Mundo Prehispanico, to give the students a deeper understanding of the discipline, complexity, and respect for tradition that dancers experience in their work. Mundo Prehispanico is based on rituals that took place in pre-Hispanic Mexico. It requires dancers hold upright, rigid postures, while performing steps, like jumps, spins, and quick turns.

“Observing how professionals warm up, rehearse, and approach choreography can teach students about discipline, focus, and the work ethic required in the performing arts,” said Tracy. “They’ll never look at dance and dancers the same again.”

Learn more information about LBC’s Master Classes and Student Clinics here.