A Hamilton-inspired workshop experience
WRITTEN BY JACKIE C., CENTER STAGE AMBASSADOR
Nov. 1st, I got to participate in a dance workshop hosted by Molly Maher-Lucareli and Jarrod Pfarr, through the Center Stage Program. It was my first-ever workshop through Center Stage, and it will not be my last. It was a two-hour-long workshop that combined both Molly’s and Jarrod’s dance styles—contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and hip hop — in a section of “The Room Where It Happened” from the hit musical Hamilton. It was the right balance of “easy” for newcomers and a challenge for experienced dancers, and I had a blast!
Molly and Jarrod are both so kind, and because they’re teachers first, learning the number was so easy. They were so patient with everybody – no matter what level of dance one was at – and gave nothing but encouraging feedback. I learned that when a dancer “marks” choreography, they should only mark their feet, but fully extend their arms or hand movements so their body knows what to do when performing.
I was surprised by how many different schools the other students went to – from just down the road, De Pere, to New London! Like I said before, I hope to continue to put myself out of my comfort zone and attend other workshops hosted by Center Stage because this was the best experience!