Students at Westfield State University visibly upset after news broke that the school would be tearing down their set a week before opening night in order to clear the stage for a televised political event. Photo from Facebook You really can't make this stuff up.
A few nights ago I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when I came across this photo with a captain describing what happened at WSU. According to students at WSU, they had built this extravagent set for their upcoming production of Urinetown, and have had this space booked since last Spring. Last week (two weeks before the show goes up), school staff members were beginning to tear down the set because they had double booked the space for one of the production dates. Senator Elizabeth Warren was set to speak at this event and MSNBC would be filming. The show was going to moved to a black box theatre that would only be able to fit 13 of the 35 cast members on stage and would not be able to have this set. By looking at the photo, you can see the funds, heart, blood, sweat, and tears that had gone into that set. And it was being taken down for a PR event. First of all, I would like to take the blame off Elizabeth Warren. I'm not just saying that based on political views, but she isn't the one to book her own events. Her people probably didn't even know there was supposed to be a musical in that space, and that the set was being destroyed on the event's behalf. The school was basically sweeping the show- and more importantly, the students- under the rug for this event. Not to mention, knowing Senator Warren's platform I don't think she would have been okay with any of this. But what I am saying WTF to is the fact that any sane human would think that destroying this set and throwing away all of this students' hard work was a good idea. What I am most horrified about is that this was real life. We've all seen an episode of Glee or some other TV show where the arts are underrated, but this is proof that shows like Rise and Bunheads weren't lying. There are actually awful people that are willing to hurt the arts and its students for selfish reasons. All I have to say about these people are they are unjustified, cruel, and not fit to be working in education. How many times do we have to say that the arts are important??? How many times do we have to spell out the benefits of the arts??? How many times do we have to stick up for kids that like to do something other than play sports??? Never underestimate the power of the arts (and social media), because news broke this past Friday that MSNBC has pulled out of the event after hearing what the school was planning to do to its students. I am so happy for these students and grateful that someone came to their senses. However, I think it's pathetic that the school did not make this decision themselves. Someone that works in education should ALWAYS put the students first. Long story short, I am proud that these students stood up for their art and saved their show. I just wished they didn't have to defend it in the first place. If you'd like to read more about this story, read about it here: http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/04/msnbc_cancels_westfield_state.html
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September 2020
Offline Updates7/16 Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the showcase I was selected to choreograph for at NYU was unfortunately cancelled. However, I was able to turn my work into a mini-documentary about the choreographic process and art prevailing during these trying times. You can watch my video my clicking the button below!
9/18 Follow my new Instagram just for my dance things!
12/23 I was one of NDEO's Guest Bloggers this year! Read "Teaching is a Vocation. Not a Fallback" on their Behind the Curtain Blog!
9/27 I will be presenting my research at the National Dance Education Organization National Conference next week! See my research project by clicking the button below!
4/15 While working on PMA's production of The Addams Family, I got to combine my two favorite styles of dance (ballet and musical theatre) for "The Moon and Me"! Watch my talented students dance by clicking the button below!
2/20 I am choreographing PMA Theatre Guild's Production of The Addams Family! Come see these amazing high school students perform at Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen, MA April 13 & 14! Tickets available at the door.
2/20 I am stage managing BSU's Dance Kaleidoscope this year! Show dates are March 29-31 at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA. Come see this student choreography showcase!
11/5 I will once again be dancing in a BSUDC concert! Tickets to WinterDance are now available!
8/24 NDEO's National Honor Society for Dance Arts has published one of my articles in their newsletter! Read an updated version of "Audition Advice" here:
5/16 Interested in learning about movement concepts? Visit Becca's new Educational Dance website!
5/8 BSU Dance Company's Dance Kaleidoscope 2017 is now on Youtube! You can watch my performances by visiting the VIDEOS page!
4/23 I recently performed for the residents of Allerton House in Hingham, MA! You can watch part of my performance here!
Amesbury Children's Theatre presents...James and the Giant Peach Jr, featuring choreography by me! Click for tickets!
2/8 My piece "Barefoot" is now available to watch online! Click to watch!
2/5 Happy to say I have been cast in BSU Dance Company's Spring concert Dance Kaleidoscope! I will be dancing in 3 faculty choreographed pieces, including excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty in which I will be dancing the role of Lilac Fairy! Show dates are March 31-April 1 at Bridgewater State University.
Click the button for more info! 1/15 Ballet with Becca is now on Facebook! Click to visit the page, and be sure to like it while you're there!
1/14 I am happy to say I will be attending artEmotion's summer intensive in June! I will be dancing in the one week artEmotion Adult Program. If anyone would like to join or audition for any other artEmotion program, visit their website!
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