Weehawken dance has been around for about 14 years. Some time ago Weehawken’s performances took place in the Ouray Wright Opera House; however, now they take place in the Montrose Pavilion. Many students participate in Weehawken dance, not just from Ouray but also from Ridgway, Silverton, Montrose, and Delta.
Weehawken has been a big influence on 7th grader Charlotte Vander Ploeg, who has been dancing with Weehawken for about five years. She has done ballet, hip hop, tap, and jazz. Charlotte said, “Not only has dancing with Weehawken taught me the skills, but it has also introduced me to a larger community.”
8th grader Brooke Edder had been a dancer with Weehawken for about nine years. Sadly she stopped dancing a couple of years ago because of an ankle injury, but she still has great memories with Weehawken. Brooke said, “After dancing with Weehawken I’ve been better at being more open, teamwork, and communicating. I also loved going in early and helping the younger kids and seeing the progress they make in that one class.” Even though Brooke doesn’t dance with Weehawken anymore, she still dances. Brooke also said, “ When I dance, I pretend nobody is watching. It feels like I’m in my own little world.”
Some people started dancing with Weehawken because of someone. 6th grader Cleo Choate said, “I was inspired to dance by my older sister Ava.” Some people just wanted to dance. “ I started doing ballet because I saw what a beautiful technique ballet is,” Wolfe Karsh said.
This next upcoming performance is Cinderella. All of Weehawken’s dancers are very excited. Some dancers are going to be practicing once a week, and others such as River Manley with the part of Cinderella are practicing four to five days a week. All this hard work will produce another great performance from Weehawken’s dancers, teachers, and staff. This upcoming performance of Cinderella will take place at the Montrose Pavilion on May 13, 14, and 15 of 2022.
I myself am a dancer with Weehawken and this year with cast C in Cinderella will be Lucifer the Cat. I have been dancing with Weehawken for about six years and am now 11 years old. Weehawken has not only made me a better dancer, but I am also a better person now. I’ve been kinder and more trustworthy. I am so excited to keep dancing with Weehawken and participate in the next performances that Weehawken will produce.