Heritage Hall to add dance instruction
Heritage Hall will expand its performing arts curriculum and programs this fall to include dance instruction.
“It’s long been a goal of ours to incorporate dance and movement into our arts curriculum formally,” said Jay Ferguson, director of performing arts at Heritage Hall. “This program is completely aligned with our mission to provide students with culture, wellness and confidence through creativity and self expression.”
The independent school has named Chelsea Jones as the dance instructor. Jones received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the University of Oklahoma. Her professional background includes extensive dance instruction and curriculum development at the university level, as well as studio instruction and competitive choreography. Jones is also a certified Ashtanga yoga instructor.
In her role at Heritage Hall, Jones plans to introduce dance and movement through her instruction of ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance for middle and upper school students, as well as dance for musical theater.
“Dance is a great outlet for creativity and exercise,” Jones stated. “It’s a perfect complement to the School’s acclaimed arts curriculum. I’m looking forward to helping Heritage Hall students learn to channel their creativity through dance.”
Charles Carter, of Elgin, and Makenna Marchbanks, of Blanchard, recently were recognized as state honorees in the 2018 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.
Distinguished finalists included Nathan Lindsey, of Healdton; Alyssa Payne, of Choctaw; and Malayna Stober and Ken Nguyen, of Oklahoma City.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. All middle schools and high schools in the United States, along with all Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of Points of Light’s HandsOn Network, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Two state honorees, one middle school and one high school student, plus a select number of Distinguished Finalists from each state and the District of Columbia, were selected based on criteria such as personal initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.
Debate duo
Heritage Hall policy debaters
Saif Salim, a sophomore, and Vyas Venkataraman, a senior, went on a 7-0 run to secure the OSSAA 6A state championship. This was Vyas’ third 6A policy debate title.
To be considered for this column, please send achievement announcements and photos to LLynn@Oklahoman.com.