Five seniors enjoy last dance concert

Five seniors from LSMSA participated in the last dance concert of their high school careers when the Department of Creative and Performing Arts presented “Refraction” March 30 – April 1.

Those students are Benjamin Bordelon of Mandeville, Jared Hulsey of Dodson, Larke Tyler of Calhoun, Beth Fontenot of Ville Platte and Heather Soileau of Lafayette.

Benjamin Bordelon, who is in his first year working in technical theater or dance, served as the assistant lighting designer and lighting technician. He decided to try it because he thought he would enjoy it. His main interest in school is engineering, though theater/dance tech is fast approaching that. His plan for after high school is to go to the University of New Orleans and earn a degree in naval architecture and marine engineering.

Jared Hulsey is a member of the dance ensemble. He has been dancing and performing his entire life, but did not start his technical training until 2014 at LSMSA. During his time at LSMSA, he has grown to love choreographing. His work has been presented in Louisiana Mix of 60x60 in 2015 and the fall 2016 LSMSA dance concert. After high school, Hulsey plans to major in biology and nursing. He later plans to attend medical school to become a trauma surgeon. Even though dance will not be his main focus, he still plans to keep it in his life.

Larke Tyler is a member of the dance ensemble. She began dancing at the young age of four and it has brought her joy throughout her childhood and adolescence. Prior to attending LSMSA, she had lessons in ballet, tap and jazz at her home studio in Calhoun. The dance program at LSMSA exposed Tyler to modern dance, which she now loves above all else. She has found enjoyment each semester in the dance ensemble and values that opportunity to grow as a performer. When not dancing, she is likely studying for genetics or topology classes. She will major in biology in college.

Elizabeth Fontenot served as assistant stage manager. She began her journey as a member of the dance ensemble in 2014-15. She then switched to the technical side and has served as either stage manager or assistant stage manager for every dance concert following. She also began serving as a theater tech in spring 2015. Her favorite classes include stagecraft and stage production. After high school, Fontenot plans to attend Northwestern State University, where she will major in theater with a concentration in design and technology.

Heather Soileau is a member of the dance ensemble. This is her fourth semester as a member of the dance ensemble. She has been dancing since she was three years old. Soileau participated in competition dance for five years, and her favorite styles of dance are jazz and hip-hop. She plans to study biochemistry and French at Rice University. She also plans to study abroad and participate in international volunteer programs.