Class Happenings

A Weekend With Artists Simply Human

In April of 2019, our SJCCA Dance Collective got to visit their first dance convention, Artists Simply Human (ASH) in Jacksonville. Here, we got to showcase three of our competition dances (jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary). What makes ASH so unique is their inspirational and supportive environment in which studios are not actually "competing" against each other. Really, they are showcasing what their programs are all about. We loved our time here and even walked away with a "Showcase Standout" award for our contemporary dance, Something Blue, choreographed by our SJCCA Dance director, Kaila Schippani. Collective members: Alex Mowrey, Macy Dykes, and Bristen Groves received multiple awards and scholarships for their work throughout the weekend.

The Collective's First Competition

In March of 2019, The SJCCA Dance Collective visited Orlando, FL for their first competition with American All-Star. Not only was this an incredibly fun bonding experience for this brand new competition team but it was an opportunity to show people what we've been working so hard on. The Collective competed in Division 1 Jazz and Division 1 Hip Hop. We were named champions in hip hop and first runner-up in jazz. We were very proud of the outcome and our overall performaces!

A Taste of the Tonys

Our SJCCA Dance and Musical Theatre departments finished our musical revue with rave reviews (see what I did there?). "A Taste of the Tonys" displayed pieces from 22 musicals who have all been nominated for at least 1 Tony Award throughout their running on Broadway.

The Greatest City in the World!

These lucky kids just came back from New York City! SJCCA brought 100 students and parents from all SJCCA departments on this life-changing trip. We saw musicals, did tours, took workshop classes, and so much more. This tradition is one of our favorites!

You Are Enough.

Our fall show, "You Are Enough." was all about empowerment! Our dancers brought the energy while doing what they do best...perform. Our audience was leaving the show with ear-to-ear smiles and we couldn't be happier with the show we put on!

The SJCCA Dance Collective is Born (est. 2018)

This group is the most elite among the SJCCA dancers. Previously known as the “Honors Class” during Period 4, we decided to form a more refined identity. We will call ourselves the “SJCCA Dance Collective”. This group will consist of the most advanced and talented dance technicians, performers, and young adults within the dance program. Our plan is to participate in SJCCA-sponsored shows, some community events, as well as 1-2 competitions within the school year. Keep up on Instagram to see what these young women are up to!

"New York" A Musical Revue-November 2017

SJCCA Dance and Musical Theatre programs, directed by Kaila Schippani (dance) and Jeff Dodd (musical theatre), collaborated for the first time to create this musical revue of 19 songs from 19 Broadway musicals. This show took audiences through the stages of Broadway starting with the golden age and taking us right where we are today. We received RAVE reviews and were so grateful to have the opportunity to work together to create such a special fall show!

-SJCCA in the Big Apple-January 2017

This January, our SJCCA Dance, Chorus, Drama, and Musical Theatre students had the opportunity to visit New York City. Here they received tickets to two musicals on Broadway (Aladdin and Dear Evan Hansen). This even included a "talk back" session with some of the Broadway cast members. Students attended a Broadway workshop where they learned a song and actual choreography from the musical, Aladdin. How cool is that?

The SJCCA Dancers also attended a ballet and jazz class at the infamous Broadway Dance Center in Manhattan. Along with all of these enriching activities, students got an official tour of the New Amsterdam Theatre, Central Park, and One World Trade. Thank you to Green Light Tours for arranging such an unforgettable experience for our arts programs!

Fall Guest Artists

Our program has been lucky enough to have two very talented guest artist this fall. SJCCA dance students have had the opportunity to take ballet master classes with Ms. Lynne DiCianni and tap with Mr. Anthony Romeo. Not only do these two artists have stacked resumes, but their love for children and teaching is so evident in the way they approach our students. THANK YOU!

Dance Students Perform in SJCCA Musical

Our 16 talented dancers in the highest level dance class within SJCCA had the opportunity to perform the Overture as the opening number for Urinetown the Musical. We want to send a huge 'thank you' to Mr. Jeff Dodd for inviting us to do so and gaining the opportunity to see amazing theatre and sound on a high school stage!

Rudy Abreu Came to Northeast Florida!
Some of our SJCCA Dancers had the opportunity to visit Mia Bella Academy of Dance in Palm Coast to take class from Rudy Abreu. Rudy is originally from Miami, Florida and was a contestant on Season 11 of So You Think You Can Dance.

First Guest Artist of the 2016-2017 School Year-Ms. Lynne DiCianni
Our SJCCA dancers were very lucky to have Ms. Lynne DiCianni as their ballet guest artist to start off the month of September. Within one day, Ms. Lynne made our dancers stand taller, jump higher, and sweat bullets.

Winter Park, Colorado Trip-March 2016

This spring, our SJCCA students had the amazing opportunity to dance in the Winter Park Music Festival in Colorado! Our talented dancers were able to travel with other SJCCA programs (guitar, band, chorus). Each program brought a performance in their respected styles to compete against other schools in the nation. Each program received a Superior score. Our dancers also won "Best in Show"! Other than dancing, our students were given a ski/snowboard lesson and could "hit the slopes" during this 4-day adventure. We had the best time!

Outdoor Choreography Project-February 2016

Our SJCCA dance students just finished up their outdoor choreography projects. Students had the opportunity to put themselves in groups and choreograph a dance (in the style of their choice) outside of our 4 studio walls. During their performances, each student took notes on their classmate's success in choreographing a dance in a different setting. We practiced giving constructive critiques.

American All-Star Dance and Drill Team Competition- February 13th, 2016
This school year, every SJCCA Dance student had the opportunity to audition to be on the SJCCA All-Star competition team. The team was selected by a panel of judges in October of 2015.
This year, our team competed in the Division 1 Hip Hop category at the 2016 championship in Orlando, FL.
The students worked hard through a lot of setbacks, but successfully made it to Orlando to work hard (and have a bit of fun, too)! A huge 'thank you' to all of the parents that came to help and support our talented kids!

Field Study to Florida School of the Arts
This February, our Honors Dance students were lucky enough to take a trip to Palatka, FL and participate in three masterclasses run by the faculty and guest artist of FLoArts. Our students took from Jessica Mayhew and Mary Ward. They even received their own private master class with Sara Procopio from Shen Wei dance in New York City. We were treated like royalty as they gave us all of the information on their extensive programs, as well as a tour of their arts community. We cannot thank them enough for this opportunity!

Incoming Students Audition- February 5th, 2016
We had an amazing turnout for our 2016-2017 SJCCA Dance auditions. Ms. Schippani was lucky enough to have so many of her current students help assist in the auditions. We are very excited for the new, incoming talent!

Guest Choreographer, Mary Ward-Dec. 2015
Mary Ward, from Florida School of the Arts, is setting a modern piece on our most advanced dancers. We're getting very excited for our "So You Think You Can Dance" show this spring!

American All-Star Dance/Drill Team Competition- February 2015
Each SJCCA dancer had the opportunity to audition for our competition team. The team was selected by a panel of judges in mid-January. These girls had to work hard to prepare a jazz AND hip-hop routine to compete against other dance groups in the country.

SJCCA Dancers Surprise Photo Shoot
With yearbooks on their way to the printers, the dance department had a little visit from Alan Flowers.
We were only expecting our professional class photos to be taken.
He seemed to enjoy taking dance photos so much that he asked some of our girls to do some solo shots.