BWW Blog: Leanne Marie Laurino - Passing along the Moves

High Schoolers hold a wide range of responsibilities. From honors and AP courses to college preparations, time management is crucial. Now that PARCC testing has settled down, we are back to our regularly scheduled program. Our class choreographer, senior, Ashley Figueiredo plays the role of Rona Lisa Peretti in our upcoming production of Spelling Bee. Her past dance experience has readied her for the challenge both roles present. From homework, to applying for scholarships, she allocates time to put our best foot forward. In the midst of teaching the cast their combinations, she is developing her own role in the show and allowing her imagination to flourish. This week, she taught me the choreography to my solo, "I Speak Six Languages" where she exhibited her creative abilities. I asked Ashley what this experience has taught her. "Being a choreographer has taught me that it's not easy to come up with creative ideas for dance numbers or try to get people who are not dancers to execute a combination or a step." She describes this experience as "rewarding" and adds "In the end, you can sit back and watch the performers and think about where they started, where they have ended, and what they have learned."

Need more New Jersey Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...