Put through their paces

High school company performs dance ranging from jazz to Japanese in its new production for the holidays.Stringing together select pieces from a decade of performances, the Laguna Beach High School Dance Company will be celebrating 10 years with its new production, “Diversity.”

“Don’t come expecting to see one form of dance,” director Tod A. Kubo said. “The Laguna Beach Dance Company is known for versatility with concepts and themes.”

Since beginning practice in the first week of October, the 48 performers in the show rose to the challenge of learning the styles of various nationalities and fusing together a well-oiled and synchronous performance machine.

Kubo’s favorite part of the show consists of Japanese dance technique mixed with contemporary styles.

“I’ve always been inspired by Japanese dance,” said Kubo, who is half Japanese.

For Kubo, the creative process behind his choreography involves taking history and adding choreographic talent to it.

“If there’s a strong concept, it’s easier for them to pull out emotion,” Kubo said. “Every concert has a message behind it.”

The first act, called “Pandora’s Box,” is a contemporary dance based on Greek mythology.

The second act offers pieces from the traditional “Nutcracker” production with different nationalities represented, including Russian and Spanish.

“Some of the pieces are very grueling,” said Noah Plomgren, who plays the part of a man seduced by nymphs.

Senior Cooper Henderson, who has a lead role in a Spanish dance, said the different styles in the show make for a nice change of pace.

Henderson had a hard time preparing for the show after injuring his ankle while playing outside linebacker for the school’s varsity football team.

“I got into dancing because it looked fun and my dad did it,” Cooper said.

One of the hardest things to get right was learning to stay together “with the core on count,” senior dancer Natalie Houalla said.

Costumes made by students, parents and teachers deserve a lot of credit, according to Houalla.

“Every costume hasn’t been used before,” she said.

Dancing in his first production, tumbler Justin Rovin will be playing a bamboo fighter.

“Memorizing the choreography and timing -- everything was very difficult,” Rovin said.

Madeline Morrison, who has been dancing for nine years, said every piece is different from the next: “It goes from earthy movements to complicated jazz.”

In his nine years with the dance company, Kubo has seen a number of pupils go on to dance professionally.

For the upcoming show, some performers are new to dance, while another has been dancing since the age of three.

With no single standout in his current collection of dancers, Kubo said he feels six of them have solid ability in either performance, jazz, ballet or modern.

“I don’t pad things for them; I tell them the truth about the profession,” Kubo said.

The show will take place at the Artists Theater at Laguna Beach High School on Dec. 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale for $8.00 for children, $12.00 for general admission and $15.00 for reserved.

Information: (949) 497-7771 or visit www.lagunadance.com.

20051209ir5mgpknMARK DUSTIN / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Dancers perform during Tuesday’s dress rehearsal of “Diversity” at the Artists Theater at Laguna High.