Montclair High School Dance Company to Perform “Becoming,” March 8-10

In “Becoming,” the 2018–2019 Montclair High School Dance Company show coming up March 8–10 at the MHS Main Auditorium, a diverse group of 50 talented and dedicated dancers will come together for a celebration of movement, music and life.

The 12 original dances they’ll perform — an exciting mix of lyrical contemporary, fusion contemporary, street jazz, hip-hop, and ballet —have been choreographed by professional choreographers from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, as well as by six Montclair High seniors: Claire Goldberger, Macy Ryan and James Smith (Senior Piece) and Noa Putman, Billie Robertson, and Vanessa Wiggins (traditional hip-hop finale).

Each piece tells a story — with themes of connection, humanism, time and musicality — but one piece in particular, choreographed by artistic director Kamille J. King, is hauntingly beautiful. Created as an homage to a family member who passed away, the dance is, according to King, an exploration of loss and mourning told from a few perspectives, a recollection of the event and the time afterward, with pain, confusion and anger resolving into family, peace and stillness.

“When something so tragic happens, some people can’t put these feelings into words,” King says. “I just put everything into this piece.”

Founded in 1977, Montclair High School Dance Company has been recognized as a shining example of arts in the schools, recently helping to secure the selection of Montclair High School as a Model School in The Arts for New Jersey, one of only 13 schools to be so named in the state.

The Company holds rehearsals and master classes after school under the direction of Kamille J. King. Participation in the Company is an honor, and its membership is selected by audition.

“Becoming” will take place in the MHS Main Auditorium on Park Street on three dates: Friday, March 8, 7:30pm; Saturday, March 9, 7:30pm; and Sunday, March 10, 3:00pm. Adults $15, Students $8 (Friday night student tickets are $5). Tickets are available at the door one hour before showtime. Cash and Checks accepted.