Studio Snapshots: Dance Rep Sept 2026
In Dance Repertory Company class, the students in the LIHSA Dance Department are creating original pieces with direction from Ms. Natalie L’Etoile. These pieces are student-driven collaborations and are based on the words “connection” and “courage.”
To start the creative process, Ms. L’Etoile had the dancers do some writing about the definitions of the words, and times in their lives where they had to find courage to overcome their fear. She then led them through an improvisation exercise to investigate these ideas with movement. From there, the students developed phrases (short pieces of choreography) individually, with partners and in small groups. Ms. L’Etoile chose the music and provides guidance and direction to weave the phrases into original, full-length dances. Both of these pieces will be submitted for adjudication to perform at the annual conference Stage the Change on Friday November 13, 2026, at the Tilles Center, and will be part of the Dance Series: Winter 2027 on Thursday, February 4, 2027, at SUNY Old Westbury.
Stella Madden (AM Session, Roslyn UFSD) reflected on whether she’s ever worked in this way before: “I have worked on choreography before, but usually I am learning movements that someone else has already created. This process is different because I have more of a role in creating and developing the movement. It has helped me understand that dancers can also be creators, not just performers.”
Erin Fackler (AM Session, Massapequa UFSD) shared thoughts on the process: “It is exciting to see how everyone’s different ideas can come together to create one final piece. I like having the freedom to experiment instead of always being told exactly what movement to do.”
Gianna Rusche (PM Session, Smithtown CSD) also reflected on the process, ” It is different from being at a studio where you just have to always learn from a teacher. It is new and exciting getting to collaborate with my peers, which is also always a fun time.”
Mark your calendar: Our Dance Winter Series will take place on on Thursday, February 4, 2027, at SUNY Old Westbury.
