As the overhead lights on the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics stage bathed five dancers in cool colors, choreographer Abby Steinke watched her routine, “Was and Will Be,” come to life.
Steinke, an 18-year-old senior, called out cues to theater manager Charles Swarts, directing lights as the dancers moved across the stage in increasingly chaotic movements. As the last few discordant notes blared from the speakers, the dancers jumped in the air together, slamming their feet on the stage, their heads bowed as the lights cut to black.
“It’s about change and what it’s been like, growing up,” Steinke said.
There’s a bit of change and growing up for all involved in the dance program at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, which will make history on Feb. 16 and 17.
If You Go
What: Northwest Regional High School Dance Festival.
When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and 17.
Where: Royal Durst Theatre, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, 3101 Main St., Vancouver.
Cost: $10 for each night.
The Vancouver school will host the Northwest Regional High School Dance Festival. The festival will feature 24 high school dance programs from around the West, 25 college recruiters to watch the performances and four VSAA student routines. Days full of master classes and judged performances will end in public shows at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and 17 at the Royal Durst Theatre at 3101 Main St. Tickets are $10 and performances will feature a selection of dances performed during the day.
Longtime staple is showcase
The National High School Dance Festival, which oversees regional competitions and a nationwide event, is a longtime staple in the world of high school dance. But this is the first time a regional show has been hosted in the Pacific Northwest, or at a high school.
Dance teacher Jackie Sacks takes a group of students to the national competition every other year but wanted to bring the more intimate regional show closer. Sacks approached national conference organizers last year, pushing them to let VSAA host one of three regional festivals.
“I couldn’t understand why we weren’t doing that,” she said.
With juniors and seniors eyeing colleges, it’s an opportunity for students to perform in front of college recruiters, and even earn scholarships. Sacks said it’s not unusual for the most talented dancers to leave regional and national competitions with scholarship offers.
“It really does showcase our kiddos,” Sacks said.
There’s a healthy dose of nerves that come with performing in front of judges, especially when those judges have the ability to help pay for your college education. But for these students, it’s a chance to shine.
“I learn so much about dance,” said Ema Kepler-Marmon, a 16-year-old junior. “It makes me fall in love with dance all over again.”
