The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
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Raise the curtain
Company C 'Showcase' is Feb. 23
By Crystal Hayduk, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: February 14, 2008
Company C will make its 2008 stage debut this month singing and dancing to tunes from the 1950's. The annual "Showcase" performance will also feature the high school show choirs from Fenton, Tecumseh, Greenville and Detroit Jesuit.
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Steven Hinz, Company C's director, recalls that the first showcase was held in 1991 as "a dessert concert in the Beach cafeteria with the Washington Street Show Choir and Jazz Band."
Dwight Jordan, a Chicago area choreographer, visited Chelsea to conduct a three- day weekend of intense dance instruction. Jordan is the co-founder of Show Choir Camps of America, a summer program that attracts 2,000 students and teachers every year. He also choreographs for Six Flags, selected shows in Branson, and other theme parks around the country. Hinz said that Jordan is an expert at bringing high energy choreography that makes dancers and non-dancers alike look sensational.
Jordan summed up the weekend with a pep talk. "You're great kids, you have good attitudes, and you work really hard. You're going to have a terrific show this year," he said.
Showcase is targeted for an audience of all ages. "It's a fun pop show," said Hinz. The audience will "recognize many tunes they know."
With five schools performing a unique program one after the other the show is energetic and fast paced.
Hinz is directing a group of 35 students this year. Company C "brings back some veteran performers who are shining at their best now in their senior year."
One of those shining veterans is senior Katie Falk, one of the group's two dance captains. Falk started dance lessons when she was only two years old. "I've loved dancing and singing all my life. I've watched them (show choir) since elementary school and I've always wanted to be in it and eventually be dance captain."
Senior Brett Tooman, Company C's other dance captain, enjoys his role as a leader in the group. He appreciates the way the group works together.
Company C also boasts a number of new performers "who bring great energy, super singing talent, and great dance skills," according to Hinz.
Claire Myers is a freshman who decided to audition for Company C early in her high school career. Myers has an extensive musical background. "I danced for nine years, took part in CAP Jr. (Chelsea Area Players), play in the orchestra, and sing all the time. So I figured, why not do this?"
Not all of the new members are freshmen, however. Trish Hash is a senior who has acted in CAP Jr. musicals. "My friend Jillian (Heinrichs) convinced me to try out," said Hash.
Another senior who is new to Company C this year is Bradley Ratliff. Ratliff completed his last football season for the Bulldogs and was looking for another activity. "My friends think I'm a good singer, and I enjoy hip-hop dancing," said Ratliff.
Brett Tooman encourages everyone to come and see the show on Feb. 23.
"It's extremely entertaining and energetic with lots of variety. You'll definitely get your money's worth," he said.
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