With Northwood’s abundant art opportunities, it’s easy to forget how fast time slips by. However, the dance program and its dedicated teacher have been along for the ride ever since Northwood was founded in 1999.
Over its 25 years of history, the dance program has grown immensely in class size, offerings and performance opportunities. During its early years, performances took place at the end of each semester, but soon expanded to three shows. Previously offering only two levels limited to dancers with experience, classes have expanded to four levels and now five levels, welcoming beginners and advanced students alike.
“The thing that I’m most proud of here is the amount of kids that have never danced before who start Dance 1, continue on and end up in a high level and perform,” dance director Judy Scialpi said. “I think that’s cool because a lot of programs just kind of get stuck in one level and don’t allow their dancers to articulate through the four years.”
To accommodate diverse skill levels, Dance Theater, the highest level, branched into two new classes last year: an entry level and a main class.
“The issue with Dance Theater during my time was that there was still a bit of a level gap and it was really hard to make everyone cohesive and feel included as well,” Jonathan Banh (Class of 2018) said. “I think it’s a lot better now because no one really feels left out or feels like they aren’t matching up to someone else.”
Banh took his first ever dance class in freshman year of high school, and being a part of Northwood’s dance program convinced him to pursue a career in the field. He’s currently living his dream performing as part of the Re:borN Dance Interactive company and teaching students at The Dance Centre.
“In my senior year of high school, I got my very first job through dance, and that’s when I thought, ‘maybe I can do something with this,’” Banh said. “There’s something once you start dancing that’s just so invigorating about it. I love the feeling of being able to express myself and move my body in ways that feel superhuman.”
To encourage that self expression, Scialpi’s vision for the dance program takes on a more artistic spin by featuring entirely student choreographed performances, setting it apart from the potentially repetitive elements of competitive dance.
Dance 1 and 2 teach technique, but the higher levels focus more on narrative and story-based concepts, bringing acting and drama to life through dynamic facial expressions and movements.
This creative approach reflects Northwood’s broader emphasis in art programs, providing students the opportunity to express themselves outside of academic classes.
“I cannot tell you how many students have said I only want to come to school because I know I have dance,” Scialpi said. “Students get a little bit of a balance in their life, and they’re thinking creatively.”
Yet, no matter how much the dance program evolves, some traditions remain unchanged. At every performance since the program’s beginnings, dancers circle up on stage for a quick pep talk and cheer. Additionally, the senior dance—a performance choreographed and performed by the seniors at the end of every school year—has always been the final highlight of highschool for many dancers.
“We’ve done it where we put a montage of photos when they’re dancing as a little baby with their cute little tutus,” Scialpi said. “Most of these seniors have danced for four years here, so their last show is pretty special.”
Another fond memory for most dancers is Secret Sisters, a Northwood gift-giving tradition before every concert where dancers are randomly assigned a person to give gifts to.
“This was one of my favorite moments from my time with the dance program,” Maddy Zhang (Class of 2018) said. “We would ask for cute snacks and little gifts, and I think everybody always did such a good job. It was such a good way for bonding and to foster a community within the team, and it’s just good motivation for the show.”
The dance program is currently exploring the past and future in preparation for their 25th anniversary at their upcoming January concert themed “Time Capsule.”
