Chinook students exploring the Zodiac through dance

By Steffanie Costigan - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on May 6, 2023.

Herald photo by Steffanie Costigan Students at Chinook High School practice in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming performance "Zodiac" set for next week in the Chinook Media Centre.

The movements of the performers simultaneously harmonize with the strong beats of the music, expressing a story without saying one word; but instead storytelling through dance. It is this kind of performance students at Chinook High School are participating in.

Chinook High School will open its doors to the public Tuesday through Thursday at 7 p.m. for performances of Zodiac.

Alisha Hornberger, dance instructor at Chinook High School, shared a sneak peek Friday into what the audience can expect to see.

“They can expect to see students and dancers who are just excited and talented. They can expect to be taken along a journey through the stars basically and to understand Zodiac signs a little bit through the dances. They can expect to see some amazing choreography, some amazing, incredible dancing, and some really talented humans. I’m so proud of them because they’ve worked so hard,” she said.

More than 40 students are participating in the production, in Grades 9 through 12. Students have practiced four to five hours a week at dance rehearsals.

Hornberger expressed how much impact it would have for the public to enjoy and support the students in the performances.

“For people to come out and support us would mean so much. It would mean that they support our work, that they support the idea of dance for everyone and that they support our kids here at Chinook because that is the most important thing. Really, in the end, like that’s all that matters, is that the kids are learning and growing and sharing what they have, and they have so much to give,” said Hornberger.

Tickets can be purchased at the Chinook High or through School Cash Online. Jordana Ginther, a student participating in the production, shared her experience and the relationship the performers have behind the scenes.

“It’s been amazing because everyone’s so supportive of each other, and we’re all like not only friends inside of the class, but outside of the class, too. So we all have a really close bond, and it’s just so enjoyable with your friends to do,” Ginther said.

Logan Alexander, a freshman at Chinook High School, said a message can be taken away from the performance.

“Well, it’s like a way to give insight on the Zodiac signs as well as the life through dancing. So, like, I think that’s really nice touch to it,” he shared.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, while children 5 and under are admitted free of charge. Hornberger expressed the opportunities students receive participating in a production setting with varying ages of peers.

“I think that the students find their place here. They experience a sense of community and family.

They’re able to grow their talents and abilities, and confidence in a safe environment. I often hear students say that because they get to work with all different experience levels and all different grades 9 to 12, they get to talk to and make friends with and work with people that they otherwise wouldn’t have if they didn’t have this program,” she said.

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