BY STACI WILSON

Some local dancers are preparing to set sail and bringing some Broadway with them.

Twenty-two dancers from the Windwood Hill Dance Academy in New Milford will be performing with “Stars at Sea” on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The voyage leaves port on Feb. 21 from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with stops in Jamaica and Haiti.

Studio owner and dance instructor Bobbie Jo Kelsey said, “The studio received an email from “Stars at Sea” inviting our dancers to perform. It’s a lot like Disney’s Magic Music Days program where performing art groups, dance schools, high school bands and choral groups are invited to perform at Disney.”

Members of the dance academy are performing a 30-minute, non-stop production featuring various styles of dance. The theme is “From Broadway to Hollywood” and includes 14 dance numbers in tap, jazz, lyrical, Broadway theater and gymnastic dance styles.

“Dancers have to change accessories, shoes, headpieces and props in a matter of seconds and be ready to go back on,” Kelsey said.

In addition to the non-stop choreography, preparing for the performance has not been without challenges.
Kelsey said, “It involves a variety of age and skill levels. The younger dancers have had to really work hard to show the same professionalism as the older more seasoned dancers. There are dancers ranging from age seven through adult and getting everyone to work together has been a challenge as a director.”

The dancers have spent months preparing for the performance, honing their skills and perfecting the routine.

“The number of rehearsals and the amount of time we’ve put into this performance has definitely pushed all of us to become better dancers,” said Miranda Rhone, a Susquehanna Community High School student. “I’ve learned nine dances for this performance in a very short amount of time, so this experience has really taught me to push myself and strive to improve at each rehearsal.”

McKenzie Rhone is in seven of the dances. “Each of those dances has had choreography that I’ve never had to do before, but it just made me work harder as not only a dancer, but a person in general. It has taught me hard work, dedication, and perseverance to a goal,” she said.

Travis Hartman, a Mountain View High School student added, “Both preparing and performing has helped tremendously and pushed me to do things that I wouldn’t have normally done.”

Montrose High School student Alex Creamer agrees. “The most challenging aspect has been the stamina required, not only during the dances themselves, but running around back stage as well,” she said.

“This show demands a lot of energy on stage, after struggling to change our costumes and get in our spots off stage. Trying to keep the level of focus and organization needed behind the scenes on top of making the dances look entertaining and effortless has definitely posed a challenge that would help prepare any aspiring dancer for the professional world,” Creamer said.

Krystal Hepler, a Blue Ridge eighth grader, said the rehearsals have pushed her to reach new levels in dance. “I have become more serious and I am able to connect with the music and portray the music’s story through my dancing,” she said.

In addition to the performance, the dancers will also attend a workshop with the ship’s performers where they will learn what it is like to be a performer on a cruise liner, as well as what the audition process entails.

Scarlett Catalfamo, a Moutain View student, said she is looking forward to learning all she can from the professionals.

“I am hoping to learn from the professionals on how to prepare for a big show. I plan to use the techniques I learn in all of my many performances,” Catalfamo said.

And although she’s not certain what she wants to pursue as a career, “performing arts is one of my many options,” she added.

Miranda Rhone is hoping to take away some new dance steps and combinations from the workshop “along with some tips on how to put on a good performance.”

Creamer said that she’s never considered performing for a cruise line as a career but would definitely like to look into it.

“I have a true passion for dance, and I plan to incorporate it into whatever I do for the rest of my life, even if it isn’t my main focus,” she said.

Kelsey said she’s excited to be able to give her students “the thrill of performing on one of the largest cruise ships in the world” as well as the workshop experience for those interested in pursuing a career in dance or entertainment.

“They will all get the opportunity to see the world of dance in a different perspective and all these experiences help each of them to become a more well-rounded dancer and individual,” Kelsey said.