Dance Concert Entertains, Delights All Ages

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By Christine Fugate, Special to the Independent 

“Turning Pointe,” the high school’s spring dance concert, opens tonight, Friday, April 24, at the LBHS Artists’ Theatre.

This is the second concert directed by the new program head, Estee Carrizosa. For the first time in over a decade, all five levels of dancers at the school will participate in the concert, ranging from fundamentals to classical dance. The concert also includes a variety of genres including jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, improvisation, tap, swing, and, of course, ballet en pointe.

A sample from the student dance concert program. Photo by Jody Tiongco.
A sample from the student dance concert program.
Photo by Jody Tiongco.

The first act opens with spooky “Haunt Me,” a dance performed by the classical group. Erika Hernandez’s energetic hip-hop “Let’s Get It Now” is followed by “Un appel a l’espoir” (a call for hope), a moving contemporary dance choreographed and performed by Jordan Burton, a sophomore at the high school. Originally a German song about two friends who lose each other, Jordan said, “I portrayed it as letting go of the little things in the world while holding on to the most important.” The act closes with “#NoFilter,” a glowingly entertaining piece choreographed by Assistant Dance Director Samantha Hampton. “I was inspired by Tommy Tune’s famous dance, ‘Favorite Son,’ ” said Hampton. The movements rely on perfect synchronicity, which means a lot of practicing and memorization.

Dance teacher Pauline Kyne, who has taught tap to many of Laguna’s dancers through her Kyne Dance Academy, is included for the first time in the high school concert. She choreographed “Blurred Lines,” a tap piece that opens Act Two and features many of her former tap students.

Carrizosa said, “Partnering with the owners of our local dance studio has built a bridge between the high school and the community that brings a greater awareness to dance in Laguna Beach. We are so happy to be working with all of our guest choreographers.”

Jack Pattillo, a junior who only began studying dance as a freshman, choreographed “Breathless,” a ballet en pointe piece featuring Rebekah Hanson as the soloist with an ensemble including Pattillo. “Rebekah is being affected by life and society,” said Jack. “It’s reflected in the elements of wind, lightness and air.”

“Turning Pointe” is so filled with energy and creativity that it promises to entertain audiences young and old.

“Turning Pointe” opens on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m., with additional performances Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for adults, and $20 for reserved seating. Order tickets at 949 497-7769.

Christine Fugate was kicked out of her first and only ballet class. She is proud to have her oldest daughter dancing in this show.

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