The Step Ahead Dance Ensemble got the chance to take the stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday night. JOMDC faculty member Aysha Upchurch invited the Ensemble to perform with her company, Life Rhythm Move Project, in their Millennium Stage gig. Aysha choreographed the hip hop piece, “Monster Lab,” expressly for the seven dancers.

This was an amazing opportunity for the Step Ahead Dance Ensemble, many of whom are new to performing – nevermind performing in a nationally renowned and historic venue!

Their Millennium Stage performance was bookended by field trips to see two other outstanding shows. Last Saturday they saw STOMP together at the Warner Theatre. This Saturday they are seeing Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the Opera House at the Kennedy Center. How cool for a young dancer to experience the Kennedy Center as both a performer and an audience member within one week.

We recommend checking out the whole performance, but ”Monster Lab” starts at the 7:15 mark in the Kennedy Center’s video:

 

 

Thank you to the DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation and the Atlas Performing Arts Center for making these opportunities possible for DC’s teens!