Normally, choreographers Kevin Chase and Nick Quamme spend a week at JA teaching Encore and Showtime the dances for their upcoming competition season. But 2020 isn’t a typical year. Instead of visiting Jackson, Chase and Quamme taught choreography via Zoom from their studios in Iowa and Wisconsin as students watched from the Performing Arts Center’s choral music room.
Learning choreography over Zoom was new. “I had never tried to have someone teach them on Zoom before,” said Middle School Choral Director Reagan Ray. “I had never held a rehearsal via Zoom.” Virtual choreography clinic is one of the many changes the show choirs have made this fall. Wearing masks at all times, social distancing when possible, and sanitizing often have become part of rehearsals’ rhythm.
With Ray and Choral Music Director Amy Whittenton offering students feedback and streamlining communication between Chase, Quamme, and the students, the dances came together within the week. “It was effective,” said Ray. “We got the job done just as well, in a different way.”
Learning their show was a rewarding experience for the students, but they missed practicing in-person with their choreographers. “They want them to be here, but their attitudes have been positive this whole time,” said Ray. “They’re so glad to be back together and doing the thing they love to do.”
During the choreography clinic, the classroom would become quiet as students worked through their routine, focusing on Chase’s instructions. The quietness itself testified to each student’s commitment to bring their best to every rehearsal in preparation for a successful competition season. Encore and Showtime inspire us each year with their performances, and this fall, they inspire us by overcoming all obstacles to ensure that they continue to learn and grow as performers.
