Getting the moves down

Suzie Harrison

The classical sounds of “Stravinsky Concertino” matched the classical

ballet moves, as the dancers rehearsed for the Dec. 9, 10 and 11

production of the Laguna Beach High School Dance Company’s winter

concert “The Next Step.”

Mychelle Perez, interim director of the dance program, said that

audiences will be pleased with the diversity of the show.

“It’s a mixed program that covers ballet, tap, jazz and character

dancing as well,” Perez said.

“The Next Step” has about 33 dancers in the production ranging

from freshmen to seniors.

Ashley Trombly, 14 performed ballet in the dance studio on

Tuesday.

“We’re working hard and we’re excited for the show,” Ashley said.

It’s freshman Ashley’s first time to be in a high school dance

company production.

“It’s a lot of fun and I have a great time,” Ashley said. “Some of

the pieces we get to partner.”

“The kid’s haven’t had partnering before high school,” Perez said.

“In a conservatory setting they would have already been partnering

... they are doing really well and are enthusiastic and like trying

new things.”

Partnering is also new to 14-year-old Eleanor Knabe.

“The hardest part is the timing,” she said. “It’s really fast,

getting in and out of the lifts is tricky.”

Bringing up the bar a bit is the fact that the five choreographers

working on the show are industry professionals, an unusual feat for a

high school production.

“The audience should expect diversity in style, a lot of change in

dynamic ... slow lyrical and fast dynamic pieces,” Perez said. “It’s

a good mix of energy and style.”

“The Next Step” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. at the Artists’

Theatre, 625 Park Ave. Tickets are $8 for students, $10 general

seating and $15 for reserved. For tickets call, (949) 497-7743.