Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

On Thursday, May 28, at 7 pm, and Saturday, May 30, at 2 pm, the dance majors from the Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPA) at Red Bank Regional High School will present their “Spring Dance Extravaganza” inside the RBR theatre.

In the words of RBR teacher Cara Scacco explains, the show will highlight “a variety of dancing genres, including jazz, contemporary, hip hop, modern and lyrical  — an expressive form of ballet.”

In all, forty RBR dance majors will perform 26 numbers; all of them choreographed by the students, with the exception of five pieces which were created by guest choreographers and performing artists that include Barbara Vari, Gabrielle Barnett and Dylan Smith, as well as RBR dance major alumni Elycia Richmond and Sarah Goodhue.

The two shows will represent the “farewell” performances for the 14 graduating seniors in the program — a group that includes Abigail Viscomi of Little Silver, who choreographed a number entitled “Keep Pushing Me,” originally recorded by Gabrielle Aplin. She states of the lyrical piece, “I was always attracted to the softer music that allows me to express unspoken feelings and these lyrics spoke to me.”

Seniors Bobby Davis (Shrewsbury) and Eliana Swartz (Little Silver) have danced, sang and acted together in several spirited RBR musical productions. The two will have other opportunities to perform together, as both will attend Marymount Manhattan College’s musical theatre program in September. Bobby choreographed the show finale, which features all the dancers and music by The Caesars.

Eliana, who has been nominated three times for Basie awards, is a triple major at RBR in drama, dance and vocal. She states of her unique opportunity of study at RBR, “It was so fulfilling and made me a much more well-rounded person; I enjoyed it very much.”

RBR is located at 101 Ridge Road in Little Silver. Tickets for the May 28 or May 30 performances can be purchased at the door, and are priced at  $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and children. All RBR students are free with student ID. For more information, contact the show’s producer Carl Grillo at cgrillo@rbrhs.org or (732)842-8000 ext. 1-232.