From the Students: Claudia Purdon

February 24, 2022

From the Students | NPD Happenings | Performances

Northern Plains Dance student, Claudia Purdon, is a senior at Century High School. Here, she describes, in her own words, the process of working with a guest choreographer for Dance+.

Nothing says Dance+ more to me than Guest Choreographers. For as long as Dance+, and formerly Choreographers’ Showcase, has been around, the tradition of bringing choreographers into our studio has continued. Throughout the years, as I have performed in Dance+, I have danced for amazing people like Carly Schaub, Jennifer Macnamara, David Ingram, Nadine DeLoughy and so many more.

The most exciting thing about working with these unique choreographers is the fresh perspective they bring to the studio. All throughout the fall, winter and summer these choreographers come to Bismarck for a week and set their piece. However working with these individuals is not guaranteed; like everything in dance, it starts with an audition. In the audition, the dancers get to see the type of dance this person choreographs. Recently, Nadine DeLoughy set her piece for Dance+. Right after the audition, the dancers and choreographer get to work. With Nadine we worked long hours on the weekend and after school to set her piece. These hours are spent warming up and getting to know Nadine- which is the best part of the experience. Then we let Nadine use the dancers at Northern Plains Dance to set her vision on. Working with the choreographers is extremely fun. Being a part of a choreographer’s vision is super rewarding.

Throughout the hours we try everything Nadine tells us to try. We listen to everything she has to say to help us become better dancers. To work with a guest choreographer we spend 24 hours (give or take) rehearsing with this individual. These individuals bring so much knowledge with them and help us become better dancers and people. Working with Nadine is especially helpful because she can help us treat our injuries. She is extremely knowledgeable with dancer injuries and can help the dancers treat their injuries. Working with these individuals is something so unique that many dance studios do not do. Northern Plains is extremely lucky to have these opportunities, so many of the dancers take them. Another cool aspect of having these professionals come in is the connection you make with them. The dance world is small and knowing all of these individuals from across the country can be very beneficial. Getting to know these individuals is so helpful and something that is unique to NPD.