Every year in early December, Rocklin and Whitney dance 4 students participate in the 4WRD dance show at the Whitney High theater. It consists of various styles of dance, costumes and grade levels that showcase all of the hard work the students have been putting in since the beginning of the year. To most dance 4 students, the annual show is one of the most important of the year for them.

Since last year’s 4WRD show was an absolute success, Mrs. Abby Huber and the dance 4 students have been feeling the pressure to improve this year’s show and make it an unforgettable experience.

The key skill Huber wants the dancers to focus on is performance. Dance 4 students plan on exerting facial expressions through their innovative dances, some of which are choreographed by students.

On that note, some unprecedented dances are being introduced in this year’s show. One of them includes a silent contemporary dance choreographed by senior Serene Tarazi and junior Marissa Cassayre. Instead of dancing to music, students in this routine will be dancing to sounds they make.

“It was really cool and different to choreograph to no music because with music you have strands that you have to dance to and you need to make sure you have musicality but with [the silent dance] we could really do anything we wanted to,” Marissa explains. “I think it will affect the audience because it will get them on the edge of their seats because you are not listening to music, instead you have to look and listen.”

In recent years, Rocklin and Whitney dancers have performed a combination tap dance. In addition, a combined pointe number will be added in the show that was choreographed by junior Haley Romig from Rocklin and junior Julianna Bingham from Whitney.

Haley says, “Julianna and I are stoked about bringing pointe and ballet back to a school dance show. It’s a beautifully artistic style that is constantly overlooked and underappreciated.”

There are other incredible dances that are coming to the Whitney High theater, as well, including four other contemporary dances, a 1920’s musical theatre dance inspired by The Great Gatsby and an intricate jazz dance entitled “Lights”.  

Junior Andrea Valentini and sophomore Liz Lester, in contrast with the previously mentioned styles, have brought something different to the show by choreographing a hard-hitting hip hop dance.

“My dance is different from other hip hop dances Dance 4 has done in the past because it is a lot more intense and stylized. I hope that it will bring new energy to the 4WRD audience because we open the show and I want it to be a powerful and exciting beginning to the show,” states Andrea.

So if you enjoy watching abstract contemporary dances, energetic jazz dances or strong hip hop routines, 4WRD is the show for you. It definitely has much in store and it is worth watching with your friends or family. The shows will be held on December 1 and 2 at 7:00 p.m. and December 3 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Rocklin High school website.