Jes Tan (2019) Hip-Hop Workshop: Unleashing Creative Expression and Building Confidence
Hip-hop is a demanding style of dance that requires a high level of collaboration and teamwork to look effective.
Our Year 10 Dance students have been engaging with Jes Tan (Class of 2019), who is choreographing a hip-hop piece, ‘Cash In, Cash Out’, for the annual Dance Showcase. This event is the highlight of the dance student’s year and will take place at the Nexus Theatre at Murdoch University on Saturday 29 July.
While working with Jes, the Year 10 Dance students will need to be very precise with footwork and isolated movement. The girls are also taking this time as an opportunity to further develop their fitness, musicality, and performance skills.
Year 10 Dance teacher, Jessica Wynn, says, “Jes Tan is a Santa Maria old girl who studied ATAR Dance while a student, and our students love working with teachers who understand their context!”.
Jessica adds, “Our Dance programs at Santa Maria College are richer for the opportunities provided by visiting tutors in a wide range of styles. The dancers get to work with professional dance specialists who are currently working in the industry, and they feel inspired by the experience”.
The Year 10 Dance program is a diverse course that enables students to develop their creativity and choreographic voice. This year, students study Flamenco, contemporary dance, and jazz technique. They will not be assessed on hip-hop but love working in this style as it is fast, accented, and it’s a style they are most often exposed to online.
We eagerly anticipate the upcoming Dance Showcase next month, where we will get to witness this awesome hip-hop performance and also a multitude of other incredible pieces!
Here’s what two of the girls had to say about their time with Jes:
“This hip-hop dance has given us so many new skills and has been a great experience. Many of us have stepped out of our comfort zone and tried something new, Its been a great opportunity to do some choreography we don’t normally do! Jes has made us a really fun, high-energy routine which we are working to perfect and look forward to showing everyone at the Dance Showcase next term. It has been a really good experience and has encouraged many girls to do more hip-hop in the future.” Olivia Creek
“I have really enjoyed stepping out of my comfort zone and developing different genres of dance. Coming from a jazz and lyrical dance background, I have found it challenging to dance more freely, like not pointing my toes all the time. It has been a really fun experience to be taught by Jes as her choreography is very rhythmical. I would love to do more hip-hop in the future!” Caitlin Marwick
- alumni, Collaboration, Confidence, Creativity, Featured
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
From the President – October 2024
In the October edition of the Old Girls’ Association Blog, we feature alumni Mercy Award finalists Diann Black and Libby Wilkes, catch up with Gabby Blyth as Head of Admissions, and share exciting reunion news. Plus, get ready for the upcoming Golden Girls’ Luncheon, a celebration of those who graduated 50 years ago.
Elizabeth Wilkes – A Legacy of Leadership and Hospitality
Elizabeth Wilkes (1984) has been part of the Santa Maria College community for nearly 50 years. From her time as a student to her contributions to the Parent Network and College Advisory Council, Libby exemplifies leadership, service, and hospitality. As a Mercy Award finalist, she shares how this recognition resonates with her deeply held values.
Gabby Blyth – A Lifelong Connection to Santa Maria College
Gabby Blyth (Chaffer, 1999) returns to Santa Maria College as our new Head of Admissions. Her lifelong connection to the school, extensive career experience, and passion for community make her an incredible addition to our team. Discover Gabby’s inspiring journey from student to staff.
Breaking News – Charlotte’s Next Chapter
Gabby Blyth – A Lifelong Connection to Santa Maria College
