by Luna Sandoval
The lights dim, the voices of hundreds of spectators fade, and the curtains open, revealing a Christmas village full of graceful ballerinas in their caroling dance.
It had been two years since the Montrose Pavilion had filled up with parents, siblings, friends, and many more, there to watch the entertaining shows Weehawken Creative Arts puts together. Dancers from Montrose, Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton, and Delta commit hours each week to rehearse for the performances that happen every winter and spring.
The winter shows switch between Polar Express and The Nutcracker, and dancers audition for specific roles, as well performing with each of their classes. Junior Nate Kissingford was excited to appear in this winter's performance of Polar Express as the Train Conductor. He has been involved with Weehawken since fourth grade. “I have always loved dance because it is such a beautiful expression of creativity and emotion,” he said.
Performers found it fun and exciting to be able to perform at the Montrose Pavilion for the first time in two years. During COVID, dancers had performed at Ridgway’s Hartwell Park, but the dancers agreed that it is so much better being able to perform in the Pavilion.
“At the end of the show, as the curtains close, the dancers come together and hug and cry,” said Sophomore Lily Feeser. “It's such a sweet thing knowing that we have our own little dance community.”
This year's performance was a first for sophomore Maryjane Cervone, who performed in aerial silks along with freshman Ella Skoloda. So many emotions were flowing through Maryjane’s head as she was performing. “I was super excited,” she said, “but I got super nervous at the same time because once you mess up on silks there really isn’t any coming back from it.”
Some students have been dancing in Weehawken for over 10 years. Senior River Manley reflected back to when she first joined dance 12 years ago. It is very emotional as a senior, she said, knowing that the end of her dance career is quickly approaching. This performance made her realize “what [she] has been missing since COVID hit”: she has “missed the feeling of not having a fake smile on stage.”