Dance and Vocal Instruction

Every morning, bright and early, the students have been receiving dance and vocal instruction. Lisa Deer was the guest instructor for the first week of class. Lisa is a fixture in Missoula, owner of the On Center Performing Arts studio, and the choreographer for most of the MCT shows. She has an infectious laugh and an easy way about her that makes dance class worth all the tired muscles.


The first part of any class involves extensive stretching. Jenna helps Trey get a deeper stretch while stretching out her own back.


Jadi (and I think that's Shelby Jo flattened to the floor...)


Week One: Ballet. Lisa adjusts Lacy's form. For some of the students, this was their first introduction to the world of ballet. Students learned the names of various postures and movements.

There is just something beautiful about watching a warm-up at the barre...


I am so digging Christian's dance attire...

This one cracks me up, too...


A little time was given to pay homage to Michael Jackson...funky dance moves to "Wanna Be Starting Somethin"....


And yes, there ARE tests. This test focused on terminology and ballet positions/moves.


Christian watches Lisa demonstrate a move before she writes her final answer.


This image is hilarious (well, for me...I'm not the one with sore muscles). Wynston, Nicky, Alex and Kyler compare aches and pains...


The students were split into two groups after an initial assessment day, so while one dances, the other receives vocal instruction.


Helping the students learn to focus immediately before an audition.

Meet Nancy Caron, vocal instructor extraordinaire...she was helping the students understand things about their posture, and even pointing out quirky things they do while they're singing that are old habits to be corrected. Eden desperately wanted to move while she sang...Nancy initially held her back, and then later exaggerated this by leading her around the room...

Alyx had great posture, but had trouble with his neck moving forward, so Nancy had him sing his piece while laying on the floor...


I can't remember what was so funny here, but there is a LOT of laughter in these sessions. As Nancy says, "just try it...this is what class is for..."



Helping Jayme
This is my favorite image of the day, and I hope Sami is ok with me sharing it with you. The story behind this image is EXACTLY what Next Step Prep is all about. Sami was really struggling through her piece from "Wicked" and her frustration was apparent. Our fearless instructors tag-teamed her to help her to maintain her posture, but develop more expression and interaction. It was incredibly hard work, and Sami couldn't see it, but the transformation from point A to point B was absolutely amazing. If I could give awards for courage and perseverence in the face of fear, Sami would have received one that day. My hat is off to you, young lady.


Sami isn't the only student who has experienced such a transformation...each and every day each one of these kids has their own personal epiphanny, and I'm watching some very deep friendships form to help support them through these tough days. Way to go, everyone!