By Lauren Whelan’14, Arts & Entertainment Editor

As the end of the school year rolls around, the Newark Academy community eagerly awaits the culminating arts events of the year- specifically, the Spring Dance Concert. The highly-regarded performance is always standout. However, this year there is an additional hype. Ms. Lux, Newark Academy’s beloved dance teacher, has returned to the dance studio after her maternity leave in the fall. Ms. Lux’s return has truly changed the dynamic of the dance program at every level, from the middle school to the Advanced/IB classes.

Upon Ms. Lux’s return, it became clear that her presence in the dance studio had been greatly missed by all of the students. The interest for dance heightened, exemplified by a large 8^th grade class, all of whom were eager to be a part of the Spring Concert.  “I think the dancers, especially in the middle school, are just more comfortable with a familiar face,” said Ms. Lux.  Even in the Advanced and IB class, Ms. Lux’s role was genuinely missed, and her return has made a huge impact on the students. IB dancer Kelly Lazarus ’14 states, “Having Ms. Lux back in class has been such a great experience. The passion she brings to her teaching is irreplaceable, and we all missed her so much this fall. We are so excited to be dancing with her this spring!”

Even Ms. Lux’s time off has influenced her choreography for this upcoming concert. As Ms. Lux put it, “My pedestrian life influences my creative life. New movement pathways have definitely become noticeable in my choreography for the Spring Dance Concert!” In addition the spring concert displays student choreographed pieces that, she states, “ are at an amazing level of sophistication in choreography.” She proudly compares the student pieces to her own, pointing out the advanced choreographic techniques which are now apparent in the student choreographed pieces.

Ms. Lux’s return to the Newark Academy stage is bound to make the upcoming Spring Dance Concert one of a kind. With new movement pathways and choreographic techniques of her own, paired with the fresh skills of the students and dancers, the uniqueness of the concert cannot be ignored. Newark Academy dancers, along with the rest of the community, are not only thrilled for this concert, but are also truly grateful for Ms. Lux’s return.