From the Sea to the Stage: Upper School Dancers Present “The Little Mermaid”

At the end of August, the Upper School Dance community at TAS was energized by the auditions for the upcoming dance production, “The Little Mermaid.”  

Over the course of two days, the studio was filled with anticipation and enthusiasm as dancers from all levels showcased their skills, eager to contribute to one of the most exciting productions of the year. 

Nearly 50 students will be onstage, joined by the backstage Technical Theater Crew, led by Dr. Kevin Held. Together, these students will bring Hans Christian Andersen's beloved tale to life from November 21 to 23. This production is perfect for Tigers of all ages, making it a great event for the whole family! 

Ms. Cheryl Lagerquist, Upper School dance teacher, expressed her enthusiasm about the audition process: “The level of commitment and passion these students have shown is truly inspiring. We saw an incredible range of talent, and I’m confident that this production will be something special.” 

The upcoming production of “The Little Mermaid” is a highly anticipated event, blending classic storytelling with the unique talents of our Upper School dancers. The journey from the initial auditions to the final performance is about more than just learning choreography—it’s about students growing and developing both technically and creatively. 

The production will feature several styles of dance, allowing students to explore and expand their technical and creative abilities. Mr. Palmer Mathews, who is also involved in the choreography, emphasized the importance of this experience: “This production is more than just a performance. It’s a platform for students to push their boundaries, collaborate creatively, and grow as both dancers and individuals.” 

The Upper School dance program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to support students at every stage of their dance education, which is vital to the success of these productions. Beginning with Dance 1, students with little or no previous experience are introduced to various dance forms, including jazz, hip hop, ballet, modern, and contemporary dance. 

As students progress, they advance to Dance 2, where they further refine their technical skills and begin to explore choreography. For those with a deeper commitment to dance, the program offers advanced courses such as Honors Dance and IB Dance, where students engage in rigorous training, performance, and composition, alongside conducting research in World Dance forms. 

This structured progression ensures that every student involved in the production brings a solid foundation of skills, creativity, and confidence to the stage. The dance program is not just about preparing students for performances but about cultivating a deep understanding of movement, expression, and artistic collaboration. Students are not just learning dance steps—they’re building confidence, understanding their bodies, and discovering new ways to express themselves through movement. This journey allows students to tell a story and connect with the audience through a unique blend of art forms. This all translates to a lifelong love and appreciation of artistic movement for our Tiger dancers!  

Through their participation in The Little Mermaid, students are applying what they've learned in the classroom, making the production an extension of their learning journey. This approach to dance highlights the importance of purpose-driven education, where the process of learning is as celebrated as the final performance. 

Ms. Kendra Ing, another key choreographer for the production and our Upper School Dance teacher, highlighted the educational value of the dance program: “Our dance curriculum is designed to cater to students with different levels of experience, providing them with opportunities to develop not only as dancers but also as thinkers and creators. We want our students to feel confident in their ability to express themselves through movement, whether they’re on stage or in the classroom.” 

This year’s production is sure to be memorable, not just for those on stage but for everyone who has supported and contributed to this incredible journey. Be sure to mark your calendars for November 21 to November 23 and join us in celebrating the artistry and achievements of our Upper School dancers!