Chinook High showcasing ‘Vivid’ dance program

By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 10, 2024.

The Lethbridge School Division is presenting to city residents Chinook High Schools annual dance show themed “Vivid,” which is being choreographed by . Alisha Hornberger, dance teacher of 11 years.
“We try our best to be inclusive, I really believe that everyone can dance and everyone should have the opportunity to dance,” said Hornberger at a media preview.
The show is based on colours, so each piece has a colour and a word that’s attached to it. Although pieces will have similar colors, there will be a different meaning to each of them. Two dance pieces showcase the colour red, but one is anger, and the other is love.
Performances will be held inside of the Chinook High School Media Center, on 259 Britannia Blvd W, Wednesday through Friday with all shows beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults and can be purchased online, or at the door.
Hornberger recognizes that there are different skill sets and abilities within her group of dancers, and that makes it possible for all to confidently show themselves off.
Using knowledge obtained from her Degree in Dance which was received from the University of Calgary, Hornberger sections off her classes by grouping students up into skill levels and teaching them in accordance to how far they can push themselves. All pieces that were taught in class will be showcased in their final performance project.
Students have the opportunity to learn from other educators not only within the community, but from Calgary so they learn how to work with different teachers and styles of teaching. This includes a teacher from a local studio by the name of Studio Haptic, located on 227 31 St N, who came in to teach the class contemporary.
“I really think that it’s important to bring local people in and allow people to have the opportunity to do work with all the talent that we have here in Lethbridge and in Southern Alberta.”
In preparation for the show, rehearsals happen every day after school with two dance classes during the day.
Mackenzie Race was excited to speak on her solo performance, a jazz and hip hop mixed routine to the song “It’s Okay, I’m Okay,” by Tate McCrae.
Her color is orange.
Race understands that being in a high school Dance program also means showing up and doing what you’re supposed to do, regardless of the location. The only difference is that they don’t hold competitions.
“It’s a lot like a studio. You have family, it’s super great to get along with everybody, we’re like a second family, but it does take a lot of work and a lot of time. So you usually have no other time for anything, but it’s honestly good because you’re making a whole new family”.
Hornberger was a huge asset in this choreography, as she assisted Race with the creation of this piece. Race’s costume is inspired by McCrae’s “2 Hands” music video.
Although Race plans to attend a Cosmetology college, she also plans to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer/songwriter and choreographer.

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