South City High students are learning a new style of dance this year: ballet.
“Everything we do that’s Eurocentric—jazz, lyrical, modern—does come from ballet,” said new dance and drama teacher Lesley Ruzon, “so it’s a really important basis for dancers to have.”
Ruzon, who also teaches jazz, lyrical, modern, tap, musical theater, and contemporary dance, said she hopes to impart poise and presentation to her students and help them develop a better understanding of their bodies through ballet.
“If they have a strong ballet foundation, then their core is strong, and the basics are there,” said Ruzon. “Some of the terminology is also used in jazz and modern, so to have that terminology is going to be great for them for all their different dance experiences.”
For many students at South City High, it's the first time they’ve been able to learn this classical art.
“I like ballet. I think it’s pretty cool. It’s a cool style of dance,” said sophomore Brianna Rogers.
Although she’s more familiar with hip hop, Briana said she’s enjoyed being able to explore new genres of dance.
Senior Lincy Zapanta, who used to take part in competitive hip hop dancing, agreed.
“Hip hop is more groovy style. Ballet is very specific and very clean,” Lincy said. “It’s [ballet] very calming, and I feel very therapeutic. . .It’s very different, but I like both.”
Meanwhile, junior Madeline Popielak, who was first exposed to ballet at the age of six, said learning ballet at South City High helps her recall good times.
“I love it, because I’ve been going to the Nutcracker with my grandmother ever since I was a kid, and I feel like I kind of get to be a part of it, since I’m getting to dance ballet,” she said.
Senior Andrea Abraham has participated in South City High’s dance program for two years.
She credits Miss Ruzon with making it easy for students who have never taken ballet to pick it up.
“I think it’s really difficult, but it’s nice to learn, because it takes a lot of strength, and it’s good to train those muscles,” said Andrea. “Also I think it’s really easy to learn with Miss Ruzon teaching it. . .She’s very descriptive and is always giving us good feedback.”
Ruzon used to teach math and drama at Moreland School District in San Jose and hopes to see South City High’s dance and drama programs grow.
The community will get to see what she and her students have been working on at the school’s fall dance showcase on December 1, 2023.