Dance, music and theater come together in West Side Story

The world of musical theater brings together actors, singers, dancers and musicians.


At the Patel Conservatory, we’re striving to do the same by building an alliance among our classes. For example, this summer, for the first time, our pit orchestra camp will accompany our summer theater production.

In that same vein, as part of their course work, some of our dance, music and theater classes will be coming to together Monday to watch and discuss the 1961 movie West Side Story.

There’s extensive opportunities for our music, theater and dance students to work together and learn from one another. Monday’s movie night is our first venture in joining our departments for such an educational experience.

“This is a giant step in trying to create a collaborative community culture,” said Wendy Leigh, director of education at the Straz Center. “This will help them see the true value of each part that they play to make theater happen.”

West Side Story strongly encompasses all three disciplines (dance, music, theater), making it the perfect example of how theater is a collaborative process.

The movie night is a precursor to the classes’ field trips to see the upcoming Broadway revival of West Side Story coming to the Straz Center. Directors of each of our departments will give an overview of what is notable and what students should look for when watching the movie and live versions.

Peter Stark (director, dance department) will share his experiences working with Jerome Robbins, choreographer for the film and original Broadway production, and five time Tony winner.

“He knew exactly what he wanted and it showed in the precision of his work,” said Stark of working with Robbins. “He was completely aware at every moment of what the audience would do, and how to manipulate an audience, how and when they’d breathe, laugh, clap.”

Gigi Jennewein (director, theater department) will talk about the theme of the story and its ties to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Bill Wiedrich (PCYO director) will speak about the musical score and why this was a ground breaking piece of work.

If you are a dance, music or theater student, at the Patel Conservatory or otherwise, download our study guide for West Side Story and all of our Broadway and field trip shows at the Patel Conservatory website.