This past March, the Cranford High School Dance Academy visited Norfolk, Virginia for the 15th Regional High School Dance Festival. The program, hosted by The Governor’s School for the Arts, is a four day convention where participating dancers can take classes in various different styles and watch performances by some of the best programs in the country. 

After the lengthy, scenic drive to Virginia on Wednesday, dancers began Thursday morning with yoga on the pier, and an audition for college and summer dance programs. Later that night, after a few dance classes, Philadelphia’s renowned group BalletX performed three pieces at Chrysler Hall, including Heroes by Takehiro Ueyama, Become a Mountain by Justin Peck, and Big Wig by Marguerite Donlon.

On Friday, dancers had the opportunity to take five additional classes from various different staff members. These classes included yoga, ballet, musical theater, contemporary, and more. CHSDA rounded out the day by watching CHS juniors Sara Phillips and Charlotte DiPaolo perform their duet alongside other selected pieces of student choreography from across the country.

Saturday consisted of five more exceptional classes and exploration around Norfolk. Dancers enjoyed venturing into new styles with classes such as West African and Umfundalai, which were set to the music of a live drummer. CHSDA viewed more excellent pieces that night before finally heading back to Cranford Sunday morning.

The Cranford High School Dance Academy’s biennial Virginia trip is a tradition that is forever held close to the hearts of CHS dancers. It is an unforgettable experience that continues to push our dancers and expand their world view for the better.