Back in October 2019, 6KK were selected to work alongside Juilliard Student Coach, John Hewitt - Juilliard Alumni as a mentor through the Choreography Challenge.
[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J6HPZdINgw]]Through numerous Skype calls, John guided the students and Miss Hughes through different choreographic choices. This enabled students to choose what duets or ensemble they were to perform as part of a final piece.
Just as we were ready to film the piece on the school field, restrictions due to COVID-19 intervened and placed the production on hold. Adapting to Zoom became the new norm for rehearsals. Technology was essential. Video playback and Google Classroom ensured that students could re-watch old rehearsals and remember their duets.
Students also faced the challenge of adapting their duets to solos. Editing footage became an increasingly hard endeavor. Instead, we collectively decided to abide by guidelines, mask up and keep a 1m distance from another. Students only had one opportunity to film the dance piece in person and get it right. The rain came down, the dance was filmed inside and students collaborated professionally and, as always, smiled throughout!
25 schools took part in the Choreography Challenge, 12 schools were chosen to work with a Juilliard Student Coach and only 5 schools were able to submit their work to Global Campus for all to see.
6KK were able to leave on a high note, look at their hard work as both choreographers and performers and are able to celebrate. As they say in the movies; “That’s a wrap!”
Miss Hughes
DCIS Dance Specialist
