By Claudia Hyman ’15, Staff Writer

There is lots of hustle and bustle in the halls of Newark Academy now that we have all come back refreshed and energized from our spring vacation. After school, most are heading out to their spring sport like lacrosse, softball, track etc, but some are heading to the dance studio.

Practicing for the spring dance concert has begun. Some high school students involved in IB Dance have choreographed pieces that will have middle school students participating in them. The dances are organized by Ms. Lux. According to seventh grader Samantha Sidi, “The students give fresh ideas, that Ms. Lux sometimes wouldn’t think of. My IB instructor and Ms. Lux are both great teachers.” When I asked Halle Abraham, Grade 8, her opinion on being in these dances, she was happy to tell me that participating in these dances was a really great experience. “Being in one of the dances is definitely challenging at times, but really fun”.

When I asked other middle school students who were participating in some of the dances if they thought dance was a large commitment, I got mixed remarks. It was a bigger commitment for some than It was for others. Some students would have their practices during sports, therefore it did not take up time from after school activities or homework. Others though had their practices after sports. Students like Samantha Sidi, chose a sport that they were willing to sacrifice practices for dance practice. Sam Sidi believes that “Dance is a sport. You get just as much exercise doing dance as you do playing softball.”

Students who participate in these dances are usually more advanced in dance. The dances move at a quicker pace, making it more challenging. Middle school students who do it, participate not only because they love dance, but also so they can participate in more complex dances with people at who are at more advanced levels of skill.

The Spring Dance Concert is a great opportunity for people who love dance and want a challenge. Of all the people I have asked, they all highly recommend doing a dance in the concert. I am positive the Spring Concert will be amazing (as usual).

Good luck dancers, and good luck Ms. Lux!

Middle School Students Participating in a Student Choreographed Dance

Halle Abraham ’15

Lila Rimalovski ’15

Danielle Tartara ’15

Emily Labdon ’16

Stephanie Roser ’16

Samantha Sidi ’16