Intermediate and Advanced Dance students from RHS embarked on a journey to New York City, where they took a master class with cast members of the Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen” and attended a matinee performance of the show on Wednesday, March 19.
At the master class, dance ensemble members Sarah Parker and Niki Saludez taught their RHS visitors the dance combo from the closing scene in the show, and students said they loved hearing the story behind each move in the sequence.
“Sarah told us all about the meaning behind this particular number,” said junior Lilianna Colasante, an advanced dance student at the high school. “She explained how it should resonate with us, as it is about high schoolers getting out of school for the summer and having fun at a block party.”
Additionally, students learned aspects of theatrical dancing and practiced making their moves bigger and more powerful. Parker and Saludez treated students to a Q-and-A session afterward, during which the dance pros talked about their daily life as Broadway performers and how their careers have flourished.
“One of the main takeaways I got from the Q-and-A was to always pursue your dream because things will work out in one way or another,” said sophomore Julie Dennison, an advanced dance student. “It was a great reminder to have and has inspired me to work in order to have my dreams come true.”
After the Q-and-A, students headed over to the Shubert Theatre in Times Square for a matinee of the Broadway musical. Based on Alicia Keys’ life, “Hell’s Kitchen” follows Ali, the 17-year-old main character, who struggles with issues related to her love life, friends and family.
“Learning the choreography affected my watch experience because I got to see how unique the choregraphy was and look at the play from a different perspective,” said senior Navya Agrawal, an advanced dance student
After the show, the RHS dance students went to the famous Stardust Diner, where they were greeted by singing waiters and waitresses. The musical dinner was a perfect way to wrap-up this theatrical day.
“Getting to see a Broadway show is special in itself, but getting to experience it with my friends made it even more enjoyable,” Colasante said.
The RHS dance students said they hope to instill some of their new, Broadway-inspired moves into their highly anticipated, end-of-year Dance Showcase this coming June 4 and 5 at the high school.
