TRIP Dance Company of Stowe returns to the stage April 2
March 25, 2022 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
TRIP dancers perform at the West Coast Dance Explosion cokpetition in Boston in February. Courtesy photo
The TRIP Dance Company of Stowe returns to the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center with its annual fundraiser performances on April 2 at 3 and 7 p.m.
TRIP is a non-profit competitive youth dance company associated with the Stowe/Mad River Dance Academy. Named by its inaugural troupe of dancers 21 years ago, TRIP stands for Technique, Rehearse, Implement and Perform. Today, 22 dancers from Stowe, Waterbury, Hyde Park, Fayston, Warren, Waitsfield and Williamstown compete in leading industry conventions throughout the Northeast where dancers take classes from industry professionals and compete for scholarships.
“TRIP has been a great source for our students to experience the world of dance, outside of our little town,” says Maria Sullivan, manager and teacher at Stowe/Mad River Dance Academy, as well as a choreographer for TRIP. “These girls are very serious, constantly working to improve, both technically and emotionally as dancers. Attending conventions and competitions around New England has opened up new opportunities for them and it’s great to see them grow into talented, serious dancers.”
TRIP dancers have performed on stage at many events in Central Vermont, in musical theatre productions, and at commercial dance and jazz programs at large dance schools such as the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Joffrey Ballet School. Dancers learn and study a variety of dance forms including ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip hop.
The company has not done a live show, however, in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The dancers have been working hard to improve their technique and learn new choreography,” said TRIP artistic director Helena Sullivan. “We have kept the spirit and love for dance alive during COVID through in-person and virtual rehearsals. So, as you can imagine, TRIP Dance Company is beyond excited to finally hit the stage and perform for their community.”
The April 2 performances will showcase the troupe's competition repertoire for the public. Tickets start at $16 and may be purchased in advance directly through the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center online at sprucepeakarts.org, by calling 802-760-4634, or at the door. An online streaming option is also available via the Spruce Peak website.
In conjunction with the performances, TRIP is hosting an online fundraiser auction at tripdancecompany.betterworld.org through April 3 at 3 p.m. More information online at stowedance.com/tripdance.