Miss Popino is a dance teacher at Iselin Middle School. She directs the IMS dance company showcases. To Popino, dance is an art. It is an art form. It is an expression that the body moves in.
The biggest challenge for Popino during rehearsals and practice is time. With only about 40 minutes of practice after school, the biggest challenge is how Popino manages her time. She has to do it wisely to ensure whatever needs to be finished gets done.
Two days before the show, there are two rehearsals. The first is the technical rehearsal, for going through the show with lights and curtains and choreographing bows. The second is the dress rehearsal, performing the entire show with no stops, entrances, exits, and costumes. Each rehearsal lasts almost two hours. Popino finds the rehearsals very important. The show wouldn’t go smoothly without them.
On the day of the show, nervousness, chaos, and excitement fill the air. Popino herself feels nervous and relieved. She wears many hats to keep everyone happy and in place. Once the show starts, she is calm and alert.
Before the show begins, behind the curtains, all the dancers, helpers, and Popino are in an energy circle to give words of encouragement. Popino mentions that “whatever happens, happens.” After all, the show is live and will only play once.
“If someone was upset that they messed up on stage, I’d comfort and hug them because I feel awful. But I’m happy they’re upset because it shows how much they care,” Popino said.
“The most rewarding thing is how happy everyone is later. There’s just something in the air that makes everyone happy. I love that,” Popino said.
With each student’s efforts and Popino’s directory, she would describe the shows as magical.
