Project Dance Highlights the Need for Arts Education at Paul VI

Written by Stacy Napolitano

For two months 150 student dancers from throughout southern New Jersey, descend upon Paul VI High School and the Next Stage Dance Studio to rehearse for Project Dance.

Many are repeat participants who wouldn’t dream of missing the opportunity to perform in this integrative dance festival, which takes place May 21 and 22 at Paul VI High School, Haddonfield.

Why? What’s so special about Project Dance?

“You can come here and just be yourself. This is my family,” said Marlee Eilenberger, of Williamstown, fifth year ProjectDance Participant. “I first participated as an eighth grader because I loved to dance. Now, I continue because these are all my friends. I also enjoy the opportunity work with a diverse group of people… both dancers and choreographers.”

Eilenberger is now a Paul VI senior. Though the program is held at the high school, it’s open to students from any middle school or high school in the area.

Connor Muldoon, student at Haddon Township High School, has participated for two years.

He said, “I really like the message of Project Dance -- that arts are important and needed in schools. It’s a great way to bring art to the community. The program is run really well and I enjoy learning from new instructors and people who have a different style than me.”

Senior Jamie Bottino, fourth year participant of Atco, added, “The choreographers constantly push you to grow as a dancerand performer, all the while encouraging you to experience new and unfamiliar dance styles. It reminds me of why I have such a passion for dance.”

Courtney Daniels, theatre and dance director at Paul VI High School; Paul VI dance team coach; and director, Next StageDance and Drama Academy, developed the program in 2003 as a platform to raise awareness about the benefits of dance and arts education in school curriculum. It also supports scholarships for high school seniors pursuing dance or musical theatre degrees.

“Through research for my master’s degree in School Psychology plus many years of teaching, I found that students involved in arts education had higher self-esteem, academic success, and were less likely to participate in risky behaviors,” said Daniels. “When I first came to Paul VI, I was very pleased to find that the entire school community supported performing arts education.”

That support has continued as noted by Bottino, Paul VI senior, “Our principal, Sister Marianne, and the rest of the administration puts such an emphasis on the arts program at Paul VI, which is very important to those involved. They put a lot of energy and support into expanding the program, which is something very unique to Paul VI. It means a lot to us that our administration and teachers are in the front row for every performance. We are very grateful for administration’s support and love making them proud.”

Project Dance performances take place May 21 and 22, 7 p.m., Paul VI High School, 901 Hopkins Rd, Haddonfield, NJ, 08033. Tickets are $12 and available at the door, cash only. The dancers hope many members of the community will come out to support arts education and enjoy a passionate, creative performance.

Photo Caption: 2014 Project Dance participants perform in photo in Kelly Bryson’s Contemporary routine. “DETACH”. Photo credit: Pagano Photography.