Review: ARTISTRY IN MOTION at North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center

If movement is a language, then the students and young dancers who took the stage for ARTISTRY IN MOTION on Thursday, April 30 at the North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center spoke it fluently. Presented by the North Little Rock School District Dance Program, this annual showcase featured performances by the North Little Rock Dance Troupe, Theatre Dance I-IV students, and local preschool and elementary dancers, creating an evening that celebrated artistry and the pure joy of dance.

At the heart of this extraordinary program is Director and Choreographer Christen Burke Pitts, whose leadership has clearly cultivated a thriving dance community at North Little Rock High School. Under her guidance, students are not only trained in technique but encouraged to become creative artists in their own right. One of the most exciting aspects of ARTISTRY IN MOTION was seeing how Pitts opened the door for several student choreographers, along with special guest choreographers, to contribute original works to the showcase. That collaborative approach gave the evening a wonderful variety of styles and perspectives while allowing students to experience the artistic process from both sides of the stage.

One of my favorite things about arts education is seeing students grow not only as performers but as confident young people, and ARTISTRY IN MOTION was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when educators give students the opportunity to express themselves creatively. From the tiniest dancers taking the stage with wide-eyed excitement to the seasoned members of the Dance Troupe moving with precision and maturity, every performer had a chance to shine.

Adding to the evening’s charm were student emcees Josephine Cheatham and Nathan Zukowski, who served as delightful guides throughout the program. Introducing each act with confidence and wit, the duo kept the energy high between numbers and proved to be entertainers in their own right. Their playful banter and well-timed jokes had the audience laughing throughout the night, and they brought a warm, personable touch that made the showcase feel even more special.

The evening also included several meaningful award presentations that highlighted the dedication and leadership of standout students. Brianna Wood received the Clancy McDowell Scholarship Award, Morgan Stigall and Athena Croon were honored with the Raising the Barre Leadership Awards, and Haley Meeks received the Sally Riggs Insalaco Spirit of the Dance Award/Scholarship. Watching these talented young artists recognized in front of their peers and families added another layer of inspiration to the evening and underscored the strong sense of support and encouragement within the program.

The evening highlighted the remarkable breadth of the North Little Rock dance program. Theatre Dance I-IV students demonstrated the strong technical foundation they are developing while embracing the theatrical storytelling that makes dance so compelling to watch. Their performances were energetic, showing just how much care and preparation had gone into every number.

There were also two breathtaking solo performances that demonstrated the artistry and emotional maturity of these talented young dancers. Haley Meeks choreographed and performed a deeply moving piece to Passenger, revealing both her choreographic voice and her ability to communicate feeling through movement. Equally captivating was Elyse Young, who choreographed and performed to Need Me. Both dancers commanded the stage with confidence and vulnerability, creating two of the evening's most memorable moments.

Anytime music by Michael Jackson and his iconic dance moves are incorporated into a program, they automatically earn bonus points from me, and ARTISTRY IN MOTION delivered twice. First was CHICAGO, choreographed and performed by Taniea Johnson and Soie Waits, a dynamic duet that oozed style and confidence. Then later came BEAT IT, originally choreographed by Michael Peters and restaged by Christen B. Pitts, Danielle Dace, and Theatre Dance II students. Performed by the North Little Rock High School Theatre Dance II class, the number captured the sharp, unmistakable movement vocabulary that helped make the original music video legendary. As a lifelong Michael Jackson fan, I was grinning from ear to ear.

One of the sweetest moments of the evening came during a delightful performance to ZOO by Shakira. Watching the older members of the North Little Rock Dance Troupe partner with the preschool and elementary dancers was so cute. The high school students guided their younger counterparts with encouraging smiles and gentle reassurance, creating a touching display of mentorship and kindness.

There is something magical about watching children take the stage, many perhaps for the very first time, beaming with pride as they perform in front of family and friends. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and the audience responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers. Just as importantly, these younger students were able to look up to the high school dancers as role models and envision what they themselves might one day achieve.

That sense of mentorship and community is what makes programs like this so important. Dance teaches discipline, teamwork, musicality, and self-confidence. It gives students a creative outlet and a way to communicate emotions that words cannot always express. The North Little Rock School District Dance Program has clearly built a program that nurtures young artists at every stage of development, and ARTISTRY IN MOTION served as a shining example of that commitment.

North Little Rock Senior Dancers:

Rainah Anderson, I'Niyah Brown, Rayen Contreras, +Daysiah Covin, +DaMari Cribbs, Athena Croon, +*Kierston Crumpton, +*Crystal Delatorre, Elissa Frierson, Lily Hirscheider, +Taniea Johnson, Sy'nya Lindsey, Desirea Martin, +*Haley Meeks, Jonesha Nathan, Mishka Pacris, Darla Natalia Torres Ramirez, Zakira Royal, Mic'keia Stanley, Morgan Stigall, Samiah Rose Tenner, +*Soie Waits, and +*Elyse Young

+NLRHS National Honor Society for Dance Arts Members

*NHSDA Honor Graduates 

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