Inside RDC Work Week!

The AHHS Repertory Dance Company was the first pre-professional dance company in FWISD and is celebrating its 5th season this year! AHHS Dance is so proud of our Nationally recognized company and can't wait for another year of amazing dance! Check out what these dancers and choreographers have to say about their experience during our week long rehearsal!

Why the AHHS RDC? What draws you to this company as a student, director or choreographer?

"I wanted to be a part of the RDC at heights because it seemed like an amazing way to make new friends and improve as a dancer. I may have only been a member for one week but it has already been much more then that. I feel that it is really preparing me for college as well as professional work after that and the energy and positivity in this company is so encouraging and empowering." - Jackson Rynd, Senior

"Every time I come to Heights, I'm impressed by the dedication of the dancers; they are hardworking and respectful. I'm also drawn to RDC because of the obvious love they have for dance and for each other and for how welcoming they are to me." - Emily Hunter, Choreographer

What is the greatest challenge to you throughout this week? 

"My greatest challenge this week was building my stamina." - Ryann Vance, Sophomore

"Making sure you remember all of the changes along with facings and counts. Also another challenge would be making sure I am a good leader." - Shakinah Robinson, Senior

What brings you the most joy? What excites you the most about this week? 

"My favorite part of work week is watching the growth of the dancers over the course of the week. We've made a challenging new work for them, and I think some of the dancers felt intimidated by the work at the beginning of the week. But I can see even in such a short period of time that they're taking ownership and really pushing themselves to achieve more. Their hard work is instilling greater confidence in themselves." - Emily Hunter, Choreograper

"Being able to dance in such a beautiful group brings me so much joy. I am so happy to be a part of such beautiful dances and creating pieces of art that is beyond us as individuals because the entire team is needed. The part of work week that excited me the most is the last 30 minutes of the day because we spend it team building and creating better relationships with the other students we are dancing with." - Jackson Rynd, Senior

Why do you feel the AHHS RDC is an important part of the Fort Worth community and dance education in FWISD? 

"AHHS RDC gives young students an opportunity to experience dance in a professional way. AHHS RDC prepares students for college and dance after high school. Students get an opportunity to experience dance without paying a ton of money." - Ryann Vance

How does being a part of the AHHS RDC encourage your growth as a student, director, or choreographer?

"RDC encourages me step out of my comfort zone by being creative, working with others, and being confident." - Ryann Vance, Sophomore

"Being in RDC pushes me a lot because when people are setting choreography on us it makes me want to push so I can be at that level." - Shakinah Robinson, Senior

How do you feel the AHHS RDC empowers young people to create change through movement? 

"RDC gives hope for underprivileged kids. You can start off in level 2 but through hard work you can end up being one of the best dancers there." - Shakinah Robinson

"The piece we've created together addresses the daily pressures they deal with in their face-to-face interactions as well as in the world of social media. They yearn for acceptance from their peers but also for the freedom to truly be themselves, to be authentically known and valued. When these dancers move through this piece, they are acknowledging these pressures, simultaneously pushing back against them." - Emily Hunter, Choreographer

"RDC empowers young people to create change through movement because it exemplifies how people from all different backgrounds and areas of life can come together and work seamlessly to express themselves though dance." - Jackson Rynd

Make sure to catch the AHHS RDC in their performance Jan 31st - Feb 1 2019! To stay connected, join us on instagram @ahhsdance or facebook @AHHSDanceDepartment