by Audrey Levine, Staff Writer
Raritan Valley Dance Ensemble Director Loretta Fois stood in front of about 10 people in the audience at the Senior Center on Friday, calling out different dance directions, like “fall,” “jump” and “contract.”
As each command was given in conjunction with a lesson on how to read dance notation — called labanotation — members of the audience made movements to emulate the words, falling to the different sides of their chairs and popping out of their seats. The six dancers in the ensemble performed their own movements, then copied what they saw from the audience.
”This audience participation was fun,” said Arlyne O’Rourke, of Sixth Avenue, who was commended by Ms. Fois for her wide-open arms during the “expand” command. “I think this is a good exercise for all of us.”
This exercise was part of the event when the dance ensemble held a performance of several of its dances for those in attendance at the center.
”I thought they were excellent,” Ms. O’Rourke said of the performance, which featured modern and jazz dancing.
Joanne Pearson, Senior Center manager, said this was not the first time the ensemble had visited the senior center, but the members always enjoy when they come.
”The seniors love when younger people come to do things,” she said. “It makes them feel alive.”
The performance itself featured six of the seven members of the ensemble performing pieces they have been working on since the start of their semester in September at the Raritan Valley Community College.
”We do about six performances per semester at senior centers and schools,” Ms. Fois said. “Dance majors are required to be part of this.”
Beginning with an improvisational piece where the dancers responded to different adjectives about dance — like “high,” “small,” “fast” and “tense” — they continued with several previously choreographed pieces with themes of the 1950s and relationships, among others.
”I thought it was very good,” said Skip Picciano, of Raritan Avenue. “The kids work really hard and I really enjoyed it.”
Ms. Pearson said this was just one of many activities that have been held throughout the past year to get more members interested and involved in the Senior Center.
”We’re trying to bring in more programs to get more seniors involved,” said Ms. Pearson, who was recently surprised at the center with a celebration for her 30th anniversary of working there. “There has been a good reaction to all of these. We try to find things that are upbeat and entertaining.”
To find ideas for new programs, Ms. Pearson said, she responds to articles she reads about activities, and often is contacted by groups looking to come to Manville.
”We bring some programs back again (each year),” she said, “but somehow we always find new things.”
But for this performance with the dancers, many in the audience said it was great to watch them take the stage and see what they have been working on this semester.
”It was fun,” Rita Rygiel, of North Ninth Avenue, said. “Everyone enjoys this.”

