me arts ed

Good News for Dance and Music

Dance teacher at Lake Region High School, Carmel Collins has good news! The community of MSAD#61 which is Bridgton, Casco, Naples and Sebago voted YES on November 3rd to remodel the high school facility. The plans include a new dance studio to be built on the front of the school. The music room will increase in space as well. They will break ground in the summer.

Carmel sent me this short piece on a recent opportunity her students had working with a  professional dancer:

Students of the Lake Region Dance Showcase class experienced the expertise of professional dancer and choreographer Elizabeth Goulet of the Rhythm Factor Dance Company.  Energy and enthusiasm reached its heights as Elizabeth took the students through their paces of the latest moves on the hip-hop scene.  Original choreography was taught to the students as well as the opportunity for their own creative input towards the end of the workshop.

Hip-hop is a very dynamic intense form of dance, infused with deep felt expression and topped off with a little attitude.  A popular style of dance with our younger population, the hip-hop workshop gave students the opportunity to observe and experience the high level of skill, dedication, and discipline it takes to be a proficient dancer whether it be hip-hop, jazz, or ballet.

Participants from top left: visiting dance artist Elizabeth Goulet, Angelica Beek, Tristan Lacey, Zackary Larrabee, Caitlyn Paul, Shelley Tomacchio, Dance Teacher Carmel Ann Collins,
bottom left; Michaela Rullo, Alesha Schaffer, visiting student April Potts, Sydnee Chainese, Alyssa Hoyt, Sarah Curly,  absent from photograph Bridgitte Kwakk.  Photographer Cheryl Chapman.

I look forward to seeing the changes at the Lake Region High School and know that the students are fortunate!