Dance Core leaves it all on the floor

Shrek The Musical is a complex piece. Every scene touches on many aspects of your standard fairytale and the show itself is filled to the brim with excitement. However, a musical can’t have song without dance; it takes two to tango. Thanks to Ada High’s dance core, Shrek the Musical will be jam packed with entertainment of all forms.

Similar to fairytale core, a typical dance core works together as a whole to help push the show where it needs to go. Dance core is in charge of learning and creating dance numbers to a majority of the songs in a musical in order to bring the show to life and personify the plot.

“We do all of the big dance numbers,” said sophomore Katy Kemp. It’s not your typical musical theater dancing like the Charleston or Jazz Squares. Without the dance numbers, any musical lacks the ‘umph’ that brings it all together.”

The core started learning and choreographing dance routines as soon as casting was announced. They work countless hours, in and out of rehearsals, and are consistent in their effort.

Dance core captain, Jersey Gregory is one of many students anticipating Shrek the Musical. Dance core is a group effort and Gregory believes they have what it takes to be amazing.

“I help with choreography, assist in leading rehearsals, and I work with the group with any problems or questions they have,” said Gregory. “Dance core blows the show out of the water.”

Additionally, some students have been provided the opportunity to dip their toe in dance core as well as play another role. For instance, Gregory will be playing the Pied Piper and sophomore Tyler Brassfield will be featured as a guard and a dancer throughout the musical.

Brassfield said, “The dancing really pulls in more humor; it’s more comedic to have dancing alongside the singing.”

A majority of the core has been dancing for years which provides an admirable level of professionalism. According to senior Amy Vallin, dance core operates like a well oiled machine. “We run through the numbers in rehearsal like it’s the real deal,” said Vallin. “We’re very adamant on dedication and synchronization.”

Shrek The Musical rehearsals are almost over and showtime is just around the corner. Performing Arts Director, Merrie Palmer, has been consistent and supportive during the students’ path to performance. The cast agrees that as they continue to rehearse, they have become more confident and proud of the show they are preparing thanks to their director.

“Mrs. Palmer has been the most significant factor in getting our set, choreography, and blocking done. She’s the cornerstone.”

The performing arts are highly anticipating the musical and aim to bring the house down. Opening night for the public is Thursday, November 16th at 7:30 in the Ada Cougar Activity Center. Come “Shrek” it out!