WEST ORANGE, NJ - The ever-growing and successful dance program at West Orange High School presented this year's "How Love Goes," to thunderous applause on Jan. 30. In the eight years that the program has been in existence, it has developed into an important part of school culture, providing a creative outlet for students with a passion for the arts.
The dance program was created and performed by 60 students currently enrolled under the direction of instructor Melissa Sande.Rutgers University teaching intern Brielle Castaldi and Cedric Greene contributed as choreographers. District Media Coordinator Lauren Grof Tisza’s lighting added mood and excitement to the show and the costumes (alterations by Valerie Romano) were stunning. Popular music by superstars like Sam Smith, Destiny's Child, and Big Wild were highlighted.
The program, "How Love Goes," grew out of the song "All for Us," used during student choreographic performances, serving as the impetus for examining love and the different kinds of love humans experience.
Cedric Greene, Broadway performer and educator for the Alvin Ailey Dance Residency, worked with students in the Spring of 2024 to stage the show's finale, which was performed at South Orange Performing Arts Center in June. SOPAC funded the performance of the West Orange dancers, and they will continue their Alvin Ailey Hip Hop residency in 2025.
“We continue to offer Elements of Dance (Introductory), Dance Performance Skills (Intermediate), and Honors Advanced Dance (Advanced),” said Sande.
“The first National Dance Honor Society, West Orange Chapter was established in 2024 (part of the National Dance Education Organization),” Sande added, “and we've had students who pursue dance come back to West Orange to teach master classes.”
Speaking of alumni, several outstanding students went on to pursue dance in college:
- Cameron Bridgers (WO 17') - Graduated from Temple University with a Dance Major in 2020
- Jonathan Najera - (WO 19')Graduated from Montclair State University as a Dance Major in 2023
- Tamia Blackwell - (WO 20')Junior Dance Major at Boston Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts
- Gabby Rembert - (WO 22') Sophomore in Commercial Dance at Pace University
- Alexander Aromin-Gabbay (WO 20')- Member of Award-Winning RU Breaks Dance Crew
As the program and its popularity continues to grow, Sande is excited about its future.
“The dance program at WOHS is living up to its mission of creating an inclusive environment for all students, regardless of what level of dance they have,” Sande stated.
Sande added that the goal of the program is to establish dance programs at elementary and middle school levels as well, telling audience members to reach out to her at msande@westorangeschools.org to begin the process.
“We are building social and emotional skills, as well as the creative problem-solving 21st-century skills in the arena of dance that will remain with them after they leave West Orange,” she concluded.
SEE PHOTOS FROM "HOW LOVE GOES" HERE.
SEE A VIDEO OF THE PERFORMANCE BY LAUREN GROF-TISZA BELOW.
