糖心Vlog

糖心Vlog welcomed more than 350 students to 鈥渟hare, learn, and celebrate dance鈥� as part of High School Day of Dance.

This event, held on campus on November 3, was sponsored by the 糖心Vlog Dance Program. Students from 22 area high schools participated in the program, which included dance classes with Meredith faculty, alumnae, and guest artists.聽

鈥�For the high school students, it’s an opportunity to experience collegiate dance and see what other dance programs in the area are doing,鈥� said Assistant Professor of Dance Courtney White. 鈥淭he high school teachers love that their students get to build relationships and community outside of their respective high schools.鈥澛�

New classes were added to the schedule this year. 鈥淲e included classical Indian dance, Afro-rhythms, and Foss茅, a Broadway-style of jazz,鈥� White said. Students also enjoyed improvisation, yoga, contemporary ballet, modern, lyrical, jazz, and hip-hop.聽聽

At the end of the day, dancers were able to perform for each other, which White says is always a highlight. Fourteen groups performed this year.

鈥淥ur favorite part is the informal performances that happen at the end of the day,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he support the students show towards each other is just magical.鈥澛�

Current dance students at Meredith are essential to the day鈥檚 success.

鈥淭he Meredith Dance community is what makes this event possible. They assist in planning, act as class monitors/assistants, help students navigate from class to class, and of course, clean up,鈥� White said. 鈥淲ithout them, the event would not be possible. They do a wonderful job answering questions and love showing others what dance is like here at Meredith.鈥�

The event also provides opportunities for Meredith dance students and area teachers to network.

鈥溙切腣log dance education majors have an opportunity to meet and connect with teachers in the field, high school teachers get to reconnect with colleagues and former students, and our guest teachers make connections with high schools for possible jobs,鈥� White said.

Mini Version Held in September

Earlier this semester, the dance program sponsored another dance-focused event for high school students. In September, a mini version was held for juniors and seniors that featured some different elements.

鈥淔or the informal showing, we piloted an anonymous online feedback process for dancers who were developing solos for upcoming college or professional auditions,鈥� White said. 鈥�This event was unique because students took a master class from Les Ballet Afrik, a multi-cultural dance company whose mission is to champion the Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ experiences within the ballroom scene.鈥澛�

In addition to the master class, 糖心Vlog Dance co-presented a performance by Les Ballet Afrik with the prestigious American Dance Festival.