‘Time to Dance’ 2018 performance – Photo by Steve Holmes Photography
Each year, MoCo Arts’ School of Dance presents a unique and awe-inspiring performance that showcases the exceptional talents of both teachers and students. An annual gem, Time to Dance is a true celebration of dance, featuring a variety of original pieces choreographed by the talented MoCo Arts teaching artists. These pieces are then interpreted and brought to life on stage by MoCo’s advanced dancers. The show incorporates several different styles of dance, including ballet, tap, hip hop, modern and jazz, and takes audiences on an emotional journey that is amplified by the intimacy of MoCo’s black box, The Founder’s Theatre. 2019 is the 15th year that MoCo Arts students will perform Time to Dance. As such, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at how the show has evolved over the years to become a student and audience favorite.
The cover image from the 2009 ‘Time to Dance’ performance program
The Beginning
It all started back in 2004 when the teaching staff at MoCo was looking for a way to offer their repertory and upper level students an additional opportunity to perform. In the early years, it wasn’t just the students on stage. The teachers would perform alongside their students, though typically not together in the same piece. With some of the MoCo teachers having achieved notoriety as professional dancers, it was an effective way to ensure a good audience turnout. By 2009 the show had evolved, and the number of advanced students had grown so much that it was time to shift the focus of the show entirely to the kids. That year the show was performed exclusively by students and the faculty embraced their role behind the scenes to support and coach them.
Today, there is no question that people will come to see the show. In fact, whenever Time to Dance is performed in MoCo’s black box theatre, the show sells out! Because of this, Time to Dance is performed on a grander stage at the Redfern Arts Center every other year. Only during years when MoCo produces The Nutcracker does Time to Dance return to the smaller, more intimate space. Although there are those that prefer to see the show in the black box, others would rather see the show at the Redfern, where the dancers have more room to move freely without restriction.
‘Time to Dance’ 2013 performance photo
Fast Forward… Time to Dance 2019
This year, there are over 90 MoCo Arts students performing 14 original pieces in Time to Dance. We caught up with one of MoCo’s upper level students who will be performing in the show and asked for her thoughts about the whole experience. Lily Bond is a senior at Keene High School. She’s been dancing at MoCo since she was three years old. As a senior, this will be her last year as a student at MoCo Arts, and her last time performing in Time to Dance. We asked her what that means to her.
Ballet C class, 2015. Lily is 6th from the right.
“The variety of pieces in Time to Dance makes it one of my favorite shows to perform in. I look forward to it every year. Being a senior this year, it’s sad that this is my last Time to Dance, but that only makes me want to work even harder to make it the best that I can.” She went on to tell us why she feels this show in particular is so unique. “I love performing in this show because the teachers and choreographers have that extra freedom to create something unique and powerful that the audience may not experience in the same way as other dance shows at MoCo. It’s exciting to get to learn a piece, connect with it, and then share something with the world that you feel proud of.”
Lily leaping in ‘Time to Dance’ 2018 – Photo by Katie Day
We’re certain that Lily and all of the advanced dancers at MoCo Arts will shine in this performance. One thing is certain – we’re thrilled with each and every one of them and with their level of commitment and persistence. They work so hard and we’re excited to see the results of that as they light up the stage in what has become an annual MoCo tradition.
Time to Dance is being performed on March 16th at 3pm and 7pm and on March 17th at 2pm in The Founder’s Theatre at MoCo Arts, 40 Roxbury Street in Keene. Tickets are $14 for general admission and can be purchased at MoCo Arts, or by calling (603) 357-2100.
