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New dance class at River Ridge High gives students an outlet for their talents

 
Students in the dance program at River Ridge High School perform at a recent recital at the New Port Richey school. River Ridge is one of only two high schools in the county to offer dance as a class.
Students in the dance program at River Ridge High School perform at a recent recital at the New Port Richey school. River Ridge is one of only two high schools in the county to offer dance as a class.
Published Dec. 14, 2016

NEW PORT RICHEY— From a student who danced on a Broadway stage to pupils who have never "hoofed it," Jenna Simon's dance class at River Ridge High School is open to all.

Every student — male or female, regardless of experience level — is invited to try his or her hands, and feet, in the new class.

"Here they don't stress out," instructor Simon said. "They dance as individuals."

River Ridge High, said Simon, is one of only two high schools in the Pasco School District (along with Wesley Chapel High School) to offer dance as a class, as opposed to an extracurricular activity.

"I wish I had had this when I was in school," said Simon, who started dancing in elementary school and culled her talent at Mary-Ann's School of Dance in Port Richey. "As much as I love performing, I love teaching even more. I get to share what I love with my students."

In Simon's class, students sample just about every form of dance, including lyrical ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern and tap. They learn about the various genres through books and videos and are encouraged to create their own choreography.

"Through these projects, they do what they want," Simon said. "And they have fun."

Tad Andris, one of the more experienced students in the class, has danced everywhere from the Show Palace Dinner Theatre in Hudson to Carnegie Hall, and even on a Broadway stage.

"We want to develop a fine arts program through this class and the (River Ridge Middle School) dance class," Andris said. "We give constructive critiques, without being negative."

The class features other experienced dancers. Katelyn Lepera, Hannah Baning and Baylie Nuccio all started dancing in middle school. And all count Simon among their favorite dance teachers.

"Ms. Simon is such an amazing, hands-on teacher," said Nuccio, an 11th-grader. "She doesn't leave anybody out, or make them feel bad for missing a step."

Other pupils are new to dance.

"I was nervous at first. It was completely new to me," said Veronica Phillips, Grade 12. "I never knew what could happen. Now I love every type of dance. I love showing what I can do."

Tenth-grader Paytin Drewes morphed a lifetime love of gymnastics into a keen interest in dance.

"I've learned that through practice, I can do anything," said Drewes, 15. "I have more confidence in school, more confidence in speaking aloud. And I love jazz dancing."

Sophomore Hailey Smolski credits the study of dance with making her more comfortable in a team environment.

River Ridge dance students started this month by staging a winter recital before a standing-room-only crowd; next up is a Vegas-style show.

The program, Simon said, is all about the students.

"When some of the students start this class, they're afraid to go on stage," she said. "Then after the show they ask me, 'When do we get to perform again?' "