TRIP Dance Company performs its repertoire at Spruce Peak April 1
March 25, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout The TRIP Dance Company of Stowe presents its annual performance at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center Saturday, April 1, along with its online fundraising auction through April 2.
Waterbury dancers Alexandra Heintz (standing left) and Nina Henzel (standing right) perform with TRIP Dance Company. Photo by New York City Dance Alliance
TRIP is a nonprofit competitive youth dance company associated with Stowe Dance Academy.
Named by its inaugural troupe of dancers 22 years ago, TRIP stands for Technique, Rehearse, Implement and Perform. Today, 22 dancers from Stowe, Hyde Park, Waterbury, Fayston, Waitsfield and Williamstown participate in youth dance competitions throughout the Northeast. At these special events, TRIP dancers also take highly challenging classes from industry professionals and compete for scholarships.
In addition to competing, TRIP dancers also perform at special events. They have shared the stage with Grace Potter and entertained audiences at Stowe and Waitsfield fundraisers.
TRIP gives young dancers the opportunity to master technique and performance skills in a variety of dance genres including ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip hop and musical theater. The atmosphere is fun and supportive and committed.
“The girls, while they have a lot of fun during TRIP rehearsals, also work hard, are respectful, and they communicate and listen to one another,” says TRIP artistic director Helena Sullivan. “They stay positive as they strive for excellence. I love working with this team of girls.”
Waterbury senior Sophia Henzel dances in her final TRIP spring show on April 1. Photo courtesy Tremaine Dance
Many of the company’s dancers spend their summers attending selective dance intensives at well-known ballet schools such as the School of American Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet School, The Rock School, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, and the Alvin Ailey School. They have participated in musical theater, commercial dance and jazz programs at Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Joffrey Ballet School.
The TRIP Dance Company will perform its competition repertoire for the public at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. Tickets starting at $16 may be purchased at the door or in advance online at sprucepeakarts.org or by calling 802-760-4634. Information is on the Spruce Peak site for an online streaming option too. The group’s online fundraiser auction is live now through 5 p.m. on April 2.
More information: stowedance.com/tripdance.