Growing, Learning, Dancing: Perspectives from the Center Stage Dance Workshop
On January 17, your Fox Cities Performing Arts Center hosted a Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program immersive dance workshop for students, led by industry professionals Molly Maher‑Lucareli and Jarrod Pfarr. By emphasizing precision, musicality, and confidence, the instructors pushed dancers to expand their skill sets beyond their familiar routines through challenging choreography and new techniques.
One workshop attendee, Hazel Radford, shared, “The different forms of instruction and demonstration were super helpful in picking up choreo in a way I’ve never done before. It’s helped me grow in my confidence for dancing in auditions and I’m more comfortable asking specific questions about changes to moves.”
By combining the magic of musicals with dynamic choreography, this workshop offered students a unique opportunity to grow as performers and shine on stage. Set to upbeat music, the fast-paced atmosphere encouraged students to step into the spotlight and embrace the thrill of performing on stage.
Participants arrived expecting a rigorous yet supportive atmosphere to sharpen their technical and performance skills. The workshop delivered on that promise, offering clear instruction and unique opportunities to collaborate with peers from across the region.
“The number of students from schools that are considerably far away from Appleton was really cool to see! It’s amazing to get to meet and dance with others from schools I don’t usually cross paths with,” commented Hazel.
Throughout the workshop, students deepened their understanding of ensemble work, learned to adapt quickly to new choreography, and explored the art of storytelling through dance. A standout feature of the workshop was the peer-critique session; Molly and Jarrod provided tips and tricks on how to offer constructive technical advice while maintaining a positive, encouraging team dynamic.
This experience ultimately offered meaningful artistic growth and reinforced the immense value of the professional guidance found within the Center Stage Program.
“I would absolutely recommend Center Stage workshops,” Hazel explained. “They offer such a unique experience that you don’t really get after high school. Take advantage of these opportunities as much as you possibly can while in high school, you will learn so much about the theater world and yourself in the process.”
Written by Center Stage Ambassadors Norah, Natalie and Joslyn