Highlandettes practice their roar with Simba and Scar. Photo by Greg Dale.
The Lake Highlands Highlandettes returned from New York City last week after a whirlwind trip that included attending performances on the Great White Way and taking dance classes from some of the best teachers in the industry.
The drill team saw three Broadway musicals – Newsies, Pippin and the Lion King – and enjoyed a private backstage visit with the Lion King’s cast and autographs from lead actors for Simba and Scar. They learned about the entertainment industry, the show’s award-winning special effects and the training, preparation and daily routine of the musical’s performers.
They rolled up their sleeves and slipped on their dance shoes for a contemporary dance workshop with the world-class Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and they took a precision dance workshop at the Broadway Dance Theater taught by a 15-year member of the legendary Radio City Rockettes.
Kate Gavigan, Bess Detar, Anna Starr, Ashton Plotts, Avery Denson and Caroline Whiteside at Ellen’s. Photo by Greg Dale.
Dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner became a “sing for your supper” affair for Kate Gavigan. The senior, also a member of Espree, joined one of the performing waiters in an impromptu encore performance of her duet, “You’re the One that I Want” from LHHS’ recent performance of the musical “Grease”, leaving fellow diners (and her John Travolta look-alike waiter) charmed.
The team also stopped in snow-covered Central Park, paused for reflection at the 9/11 Memorial, ice-skated at Rockefeller Center and contemplated America’s Statue of Liberty from Battery Park.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Next up for the Highlandettes is their Dancing with the Dettes clinic for girls K-8th grade March 17 and their annual Spring Show April 25 and 26.
