LSMSA Dance Ensemble Attends Regional High School Dance Festival at Texas A&M University

During the four-day festival, members of the LSMSA Dance Ensemble had the opportunity to take masterclasses ranging in styles from ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop, tap, screendance, yoga, Pilates, injury prevention, and dance composition. They also had the opportunity to take a repertory class with Christopher K. Morgan of Christopher K. Morgan & Artists, a professional contemporary dance company. Students also attended dance concerts where they had the opportunity to see dance students perform from other high school dance programs outside of Louisiana. There were also opportunities to attend a college fair for those interested in pursuing dance in college, as well as informational sessions on scholarship opportunities and summer intensive programs. About 21 high schools participated in the festival. LSMSA's participation was greatly aided by The LSMSA Foundation, which provided funds for event registration, lodging, and adjudication. 

 

Associate Lecturer of Dance Crystal Lewis’ work, 'Groupthink,' was selected and performed in the evening faculty and guest artist showcase. Third year senior William Huguet’s solo, 'Space to Breathe,' choreographed by guest artist Matthew Dorame-Warner, was selected and performed for the Gala concert which closed the festival. Being selected for the Gala concert is an incredibly high honor. Only ten pieces were selected for the Gala, and William’s solo representing LSMSA Dance was one of them.

 

Associate Lecturer of Dance Crystal Lewis also taught a Dance Improvisation masterclass while at the festival, with about 50 students in attendance from high schools in Texas, Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin.

 

Students who attended the Regional High School Dance Festival include Emily Ayton, Layla Burton, Tori Bourque, Rylie Renee Eirls, William Huguet, Susan Murphy, Gray Thibodeaux, and Ally Yerby. Opportunities like this help introduce LSMSA dance students to the pre-professional concert dance world and the possibility of going on to major in dance in college. Students are also exposed to careers in dance. For more information on dance programs at LSMSA, visit www.LSMSA.edu.