by Joan Martin
The annual spring dance concert at Brooklyn Friends School, held during the last week of April, was a tour de force of talent, originality, and creativity. The music and moves expressed by the dancers ranged from hip-hop to rock to classical, and the cultural roots of the performances had a depth of range also—from the U.S. and the Caribbean to Africa and India. Particularly impressive were the three sixth grade dance performances, each premiering at a separate evening performance. “The performances and the variety of dance styles were very impressive. It was a fantastic evening,” said one guest after the Saturday night performance. “I thought the concert was wonderful,” added another member of the audience. “I wish my school had a program like this.”
The concert also had a special significance for six dedicated and hardworking seniors—Courtni Clark, Juliana Cohen-Congress, Valdine Henrius, Rebecca Jacobson, Kazare Lowe, and Anginese Phillips. These talented dancer-choreographers had their biographies printed in the program and their black and white photo portraits displayed outside the Meeting House, adding a professional and theatrical touch to the production. The dances they performed were simply outstanding.
Presenting a program with 19 dances and some 90 dancers takes months of preparation and direction. Marna Herrity, who will be honored at Homecoming on May 20 as Outstanding Teacher, was the artistic director of the concert, and Catherine Clark was the technical director. The lighting for the performances was outstanding, and much credit goes to Lighting Designer Jeremy Kumin and Associate Designer Holly Kirk. Technical support was provided by 16 Middle and Upper School students.
BFS Alumni Director Susan Price ’86 attended the concert with fellow alum Joe Ritter from the Class of 1975. Said Joe afterwards, “Spectacularly eclectic and wildly entertaining, attending the Dance Concert was a wonderful and moving experience. I loved the contrasts, the unity, the creativity and energy I saw. It was a night of true solidarity between students, their dance styles and their cultures. And even better, the entire performance was student-motivated, student-choreographed, and student-run. I haven’t visited BFS for many years and was a modern dancer as teenager myself. It means so much to see young people being encouraged to do what they really want to and exuding such self-confidence (particularly for young women). Fantastic performances, spectacular technical [work], and an amazing audience—what more can one ask for? The Dance Concert is an example of what makes Brooklyn Friends School so special.”
Added Susan, “A former Dance Concert performer myself, I’ve seen many Dance Concerts over the years and am always impressed by our students. This year’s Concert was incredibly strong and showcased the diverse interests of our students. Not only am I proud of our students for their terrific work, but I’m also so pleased that our Dance Department continues to support our students’ pursuit of their own interests. Congratulations!”
Photos by Gregg Martin