Here we come, Neverland. Hockaday Dance is bringing the magic of Peter Pan to the Hockaday community this November. This will be the first time that Hockaday Dance performs Peter Pan in Hoblitzelle Auditorium, and also the last.
Performing Arts Chair and dance teacher Beth Wortley and fine arts dance teacher Christie Sullivan agree that Peter Pan is the “perfect” choice for a ballet.
“I think everyone relates to the joy of escaping into a fantasy,” Wortley said. “[Peter Pan] is kind of beautiful in that it gives the audience an escape.”
FLY TO NEVERLAND Senior Kathryn Shultz as Peter Pan and Senior Ripley Mayfield as Tinkerbell pose in Neverland’s woods.
Hockaday Dance will be spreading the magic of Peter Pan to the Dallas community as well.
With the help of Director of Service Learning Laura Day, Wortley organized for 80 students from Sudie Williams Elementary to come to Hockaday for the afternoon assembly performance of Peter Pan.
“We love sharing the talents of our Hockaday dancers with children who rarely get the opportunity to get to see live performances,” Wortley said. “We would love to always include a community service component to all our performances.”
Wortley believes that Peter Pan has been the “most difficult” performance that Hockaday Dance has ever had to prepare for.
“We totally started from scratch,” Wortley said. “It’s been a good challenge, and it’s good for us to push ourselves.”
Casting and choreographing occurred in early September.
“I was looking for the acting ability, the ability to portray a character, and that kind of stage presence,” Wortley said. The main cast of characters was chosen from Dance Theater with senior Kathryn Shultz as Peter Pan, junior Heather Xiao as Wendy, and senior Ripley Mayfield as Tinker Bell.
“I knew that [being a main cast member] would not only require dancing but also storytelling,” Mayfield said. “You essentially have to become an actress on stage.”
“Big productions require lots of preparation and rehearsals,” Xiao said. “I’m actually extremely impressed that [Wortley and Sullivan] have managed to put together an entire production, like Peter Pan, in just a few class periods.”
Peter Pan will be performed on Nov. 17 at 11:40 a.m. and Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Hoblitzelle Auditorium.
– Faith Isbell
