Pulse Dancers Documented in Award-Winning Film

Twelve teenage girls giggled and chatted as they posed in a pre-determined formation on the dance studio floor. In matching tank tops, they smiled alongside their teacher as reporters lined up to photograph them. 

"Is this a picture where we like each other?" one girl joked. 

"Yes, we like each other!" another responded, as they hushed, huddled together.

This is a troupe that's used to being photographed. And filmed.

Three years ago, the Nova Jazz dance company participated in a documentary. They were followed around for an entire year, measured in total by ten performances, 104 rehearsals and 473 costumes.

All together, Nova Jazz was comprised of 41 girls from age 11 to 18, divided into two sub-companies "Nova Jazz" and "Nova Jazz 2" (akin to "Varsity" and "JV") and led by seasoned ballerina, Pulse owner and Nova creator, Jennifer Dell. 

Now those who participated in the documentary return to the Pulse Performing Arts Studio in Bedford Hills to receive "5...6...7...8..." by Andy Milkis in a special showing to the public on August 30th at 7:30 p.m. 

The film has been shown across the country, garnering twelve awards and credentials. They include "Best Family Documentary" at the Garden State Film Festival and "Best Documentary Winner" at the Blue Whiskey Film Festival in Illinois.

The story is of the struggles the girls dealt with throughout the year performing with the elite Nova Jazz company, focusing in on five girls' particular stories. 

The website describes the documentary as "coming of age, rite of passage, struggle for acceptance... 5...6...7...8... allow[s] the characters to be themselves, and to tell their own story, with dance acting as a common thread."   

The girls all viewed the film previously. Many of their parents have not.

Hadley Ryser, 17, will be a senior at John Jay High School. The documentary was filmed when she was a freshman. 

"I hope people know that in addition to hard work, coming to the Pulse is really fun," she said. "You come into a family, and you grow as a person---not just as a dancer." 

Fellow dancer Allie Oricchio, 17, attends Fox Lane High School. Like Raser, she feels that the dance company is like a family. 

"It's like a whole other family," she said. "You meet a lot of amazing girls and friends that you get close with, it's like having 100 sisters." 

At first, Oricchio felt the year-long filming process was intimidating. But after seeing the documentary, she feels it came out "amazing." 

"It lets everyone see what we come to after school," she said. 

For John Jay grad Diana Lordi, the documentary was even more substantial. As the Captain of Nova Jazz 2, the "little sister" of Nova Jazz, she was featured in the documentary. While she was at first worried of being portrayed in a negative light, she ultimately felt the film was accurate and honest. 

"I loved it," she said. "It really showed some of our struggles." 

The company's schedule is rigorous. They practice together twice a week, and are required two ballet, one technique, one jazz and an additional class as well. To even get chosen for the elite group, you already must show talent and a dedication to dance---the 40-something girls are handpicked by Dell out of the over 500 who attend Pulse. 

Lordi acknowledges that being a member of Nova Jazz is a significant commitment, but that it wasn't one she was ever burdened by. 

"It's a lot but I loved it so much," she said. "It wasn't a chore. It's just so much fun."

Jennifer Dell has run Nova Jazz for eight years. And when she agreed to participate in the documentary, she wasn't careless about it. Cameraman, director and producer Andy Milkis was a long-time friend of Dell's. She knew him and trusted him long before he suggested the idea of the documentary to her. 

"I knew him and his wife when I was doing summer stock, when I just got out of college," she said. "I trusted him fully so I said 'Ok, let's do it.'"

After seeing the final product, Dell is glad she decided to participate. 

"It does a very truthful portrayal of what it is here. It is what I am and I am proud of the programs I built," she said. 

When the idea of the documentary was first introduced to the Pulse community, Dell said parents and students alike were excited. All of the girls in the company signed on board to be a part of it at the beginning of the year. 

With the community premiere fast approaching, Dell looks forward to sharing the reality of Nova Jazz with those who see the film. 

"These are real kids and these are real problems that teenagers face," Dell said. "Not all adults leading teenage groups are trying to expose them. I care a great deal about these kids, and I think the movie shows that." 

The film will be shown August 30 at 7:30 p.m. at The Pulse. Tickets are free, but it is suggested they are reserved ahead of time. Reserve tickets by calling (914) 241-0200 and check out 5678-themovie.com for more information.