Email
Print
Dance students to kick up heels at Orange Bowl
Regan Hill
From left: Mindy Pope, Jordan Rager, Lauren Turbeville, Caitlin Lovette, and Elizabeth Eller. The Visual and Performing Arts Center dance students have been selected to participate in the half time show during the Orange Bowl.
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: October 15, 2009
Visual and Performing Arts Center dance students have been selected to participate in what some of them say will be the most exciting experience of their young lives.
Twenty-three dance students have been chosen to perform during the halftime show of the Orange Bowl on Jan. 5 in Miami.
The students were asked to perform at the famous college football bowl game — played annually since 1935 — in the spring, but didn't receive final approval until Monday's school board meeting.
VPAC students will be among hundreds of dancers to perform during halftime, according to instructor Cheryl Klaft.
"It's not about just getting to perform, but it's educational," she said.
Now it's just a question of whether the students can raise the money needed for the trip.
Each student must pay $1,000 plus traveling expenses.
Klaft said 17 of the 23 students have committed to the trip in hopes of raising the needed funds.
Lauren Turbeville, 15, is asking for the community's help because "we're an inner-city school and don't have money to go. ... "It's such a good opportunity to broaden our horizon," she said.
"All these kids will get experiences they wouldn't normally get," she added.
Turbeville said the trip will be a good opportunity to learn different styles from different instructors.
"This shows a little magnet dance program can do something big," she said.
The students will spend the next two months fundraising for the trip. They are looking for sponsorships and donations.
Salem Sherrill, 16, who is excited about traveling outside the state, said determination will go a long way in the students' fundraising efforts.
"We are passionate about this," she said. "This is our ultimate goal."
As if performing in front of millions of people during a nationally televised game isn't enough, they will have the opportunity to train with professionals.
Accomplished choreographers Shane Sparks and Mandy Moore, whose dance pieces have been featured on the Fox television show "So You Think You Can Dance," will lead 10 dance classes once students arrive in Florida.
Ann Carpenter, 15, said the trip is "an amazing opportunity to meet dancers from across the country and study under renowned choreographers and teachers."
Jordan Rager, 16 said the opportunity would spotlight the talented youth in the area.
"It would show everyone that an inner-city school is capable of performing arts," she said.
Students attending:
Elizabeth Eller, Anne Carpenter, Lauren Turbeville, Salem Sherrill, Taylor Harwell, Tommy Collins, Jordan Rager, Mary Lippard, Natalie Davis, Caitlin Lovette, Kaleigh Darty, Christina Henderson, Kayland Cain, Jordan Sigmon, April Macedo, Katie Hudgins and Mindy Pope.
Want to Help?
VPAC dance students will have a benefit show at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 at Mac Gray Auditorium.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
