High Tech Dance Majors to Participate in Taylor Teen Ensemble

(New York, NY—November 3, 2014) Three High Tech dance majors have been invited to participate in the Paul Taylor Teen Ensemble, which offers high school students a chance to learn a diverse repertory, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Senior dance majors and Kearny residents Demaris Gonzalez and Kyla Gualtieri and junior dance major Raechelle Manalo, a resident of Secaucus, auditioned for the Paul Taylor Dance Company in May, with all three earning their invitations to participate in the Taylor Teen Ensemble.

Chosen by audition only, the Taylor Teen Ensemble expands a student’s experience with Paul Taylor’s movement style, while developing the student’s technical proficiency and artistry. Students in the Taylor Teen Ensemble must commit a year to the program, which includes classes in technique and rehearsals, culminating in performances within the tri-state area at public and private schools, as well as larger, popular venues such as Symphony Space, Peridance Capezio Center, and SUNY Purchase.

Classes, which began at the Taylor School in September, take place three days a week (Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), and continue throughout the spring.

As an added treat, Gonzalez, Gualtieri, and Manalo will perform in the 2015 University Partners Showcase at the Joyce Theater on Valentine’s Day. As part of the Martha Graham Dance Company’s 2015 Season, students from select national dance training programs will also perform there.

“The Taylor Teen Ensemble is a phenomenal opportunity for these girls,” says Trista DeFilippis, veteran dance instructor at High Tech. “Not only will this experience enhance Demaris, Kyla, and Raechelle’s versatility as dancers and performers, but it will be a terrific addition to their resumes, especially during the college application process.”

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