Isabelle Torrence '20
GPS's Terpsichord, the longest running high school modern dance company in the state, traveled to Nashville to perform in the Tennessee Association of Dance’s annual Tennessee Dance Festival. TAD “represents the interests of dance as an art form, as education, and as a profession.” The Tennessee Dance Festival took place over three days and included classes in Afro-Contemporary, Bartenieff Fundamentals, Contemporary Partnering, Modern, and Conditioning, among others.
Members of Terpsichord presented two pieces—choreographed by seniors Isabelle Torrence and Katie Millican—in the Cathie Ault Kasch Student Choreography Project concert and competition. It is named for Cathie Ault Kasch ’72, GPS Performing Arts coordinator. The CAKSCP allows students to perform original work in front of other students and dance professionals and receive objective, supportive feedback on their work from dance professionals outside of Tennessee.
In the CAKSCP, Isabelle won first place for her piece, “Barriers,” and Katie won third place for her piece, “Revival.” In addition to these notable feats, Cara Paty ’22 took home one of two summer scholarships, granting her $1,000 to study dance this summer anywhere in the nation.
Not only did the girls learn from the dance classes they attended, but they were also able to receive constructive criticism on their pieces, which will aid them in creating choreography for Terpsichord’s upcoming Thanksgiving Concert.
Terpsichord is hosting a special performance of the concert on Thursday at 6 p.m. for families, friends, and the public in Frierson Theatre. Free and open to the community, this performance is a way to see the students perform original student-choreographed pieces. The event is free, click here to RSVP if planning to attend.
Katie Millican '20