Teaneck Terpsys Celebrate 4 Decades of Dance
The Teaneck Terpsichoreans took the weekend of February 19th by storm as they celebrated their 40th Anniversary with three explosive performances – Saturday eve, Feb. 19 in the Helen B. Hill Auditorium at the Teaneck High School & Sunday, Feb. 20 at 3 and 8 p.m. at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood.
All three shows were sold out with distinct performances of the 80 plus member group. Following a meet and greet alumni reception at THS, Saturday night’s presentation featured the talents of the high school students while the junior group performed during Sunday’s matinee show and 40 guest club alumni danced the night away in the evening show.
These babies threw down! They made a 40 year-old story shine with great stage presence and tight choreography. The entire production was 'great art' as the Dr. Arite Walser President of Teaneck Board of Education put it. For a few hours, a piece of Broadway blew through the town of Teaneck.
Partying with the community of family, friends and officials that have kept them dancing for the last four decades, founder & retired Teaneck High School physical education and health teacher Cheryl Miller-Porter was overwhelmed with emotion as past and present dancers paid homage to the North Carolina native.
Since the club’s inception, the self-supporting ensemble simply known as the Terpsys has entertained a wide audience, displaying the self confidence and discipline of its performers.
Miller-Porter didn’t know that what began as a small after school dance club for high school students in 1971 would turn into a legacy of inspiration lasting this long and reaching so many.
“I really could not have survived 40 years without a great staff. It’s a great feeling to have the staff that I have.” She stated.
As their popularity grew, however, Miller-Porter didn’t let it swell her head. She kept her priorities in check always putting education first. She was adamant when it came to academics. Students knew that when it was report card time, she would be standing in the halls waiting to see their grades. If they weren’t up to par, they would be placed on probation.
Starting in October and concluding with a season ending showcase in February and an annual tour of the south, they have grown into a professional outlet for all ages, backgrounds, shapes & sizes and are highly sought after to perform. From African, hip-hop, modern to jazz, tap and ballet, everyone has found a home in the Terpsys.
Christopher Garlington (17) a four year member has found a positive place to grow as a young man. “It actually feels good because we inspire people and make them feel better about themselves.” He remarked.
The celebration brought together a collection of supporters who’ve watched the club’s growth including Teaneck BOE President Dr. Ardie Walser who had nothing but praise for its founder noting that if all goes well, they will be renaming the Activity Center to the Cheryl Miller-Porter Activity Center.
Many of the students who’ve passed through the ensemble have gone on to become professionals but have stayed connected either by volunteering as staff, mentors, choreographers and dancers and/or through their own children’s participation.
“Being a Terpsy has helped me to be a more confident and well-rounded adult which is what I hope my children will develop into as well.” Junior Terpsys Co-ordinator Natalie Cureton stated.
“It’s a place to be yourself and follow your passion.” Alumni Choreographer Leanna Barnes chimed. Barnes is the main choreographer for the increasingly popular all male dancers in the group. Noting that the males are more determined than the girls, she loves the fact that they have become the darlings of the Terpsys.
The celebration of a successful 40 year run concluded when the group presented Miller-Porter with a surprise trip to Paris on funds raised on their own.
In a tearful conclusion, Miller-Porter admonished the public’s support. “Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for always supporting the Teaneck Terpsichoreans.”
For more information visit http://www.teaneckterpsys.com/.
- Juliann "Jewelz" Weston
All three shows were sold out with distinct performances of the 80 plus member group. Following a meet and greet alumni reception at THS, Saturday night’s presentation featured the talents of the high school students while the junior group performed during Sunday’s matinee show and 40 guest club alumni danced the night away in the evening show.
These babies threw down! They made a 40 year-old story shine with great stage presence and tight choreography. The entire production was 'great art' as the Dr. Arite Walser President of Teaneck Board of Education put it. For a few hours, a piece of Broadway blew through the town of Teaneck.
Partying with the community of family, friends and officials that have kept them dancing for the last four decades, founder & retired Teaneck High School physical education and health teacher Cheryl Miller-Porter was overwhelmed with emotion as past and present dancers paid homage to the North Carolina native.
Since the club’s inception, the self-supporting ensemble simply known as the Terpsys has entertained a wide audience, displaying the self confidence and discipline of its performers.
Miller-Porter didn’t know that what began as a small after school dance club for high school students in 1971 would turn into a legacy of inspiration lasting this long and reaching so many.
“I really could not have survived 40 years without a great staff. It’s a great feeling to have the staff that I have.” She stated.
As their popularity grew, however, Miller-Porter didn’t let it swell her head. She kept her priorities in check always putting education first. She was adamant when it came to academics. Students knew that when it was report card time, she would be standing in the halls waiting to see their grades. If they weren’t up to par, they would be placed on probation.
Starting in October and concluding with a season ending showcase in February and an annual tour of the south, they have grown into a professional outlet for all ages, backgrounds, shapes & sizes and are highly sought after to perform. From African, hip-hop, modern to jazz, tap and ballet, everyone has found a home in the Terpsys.
Christopher Garlington (17) a four year member has found a positive place to grow as a young man. “It actually feels good because we inspire people and make them feel better about themselves.” He remarked.
The celebration brought together a collection of supporters who’ve watched the club’s growth including Teaneck BOE President Dr. Ardie Walser who had nothing but praise for its founder noting that if all goes well, they will be renaming the Activity Center to the Cheryl Miller-Porter Activity Center.
Many of the students who’ve passed through the ensemble have gone on to become professionals but have stayed connected either by volunteering as staff, mentors, choreographers and dancers and/or through their own children’s participation.
“Being a Terpsy has helped me to be a more confident and well-rounded adult which is what I hope my children will develop into as well.” Junior Terpsys Co-ordinator Natalie Cureton stated.
“It’s a place to be yourself and follow your passion.” Alumni Choreographer Leanna Barnes chimed. Barnes is the main choreographer for the increasingly popular all male dancers in the group. Noting that the males are more determined than the girls, she loves the fact that they have become the darlings of the Terpsys.
The celebration of a successful 40 year run concluded when the group presented Miller-Porter with a surprise trip to Paris on funds raised on their own.
In a tearful conclusion, Miller-Porter admonished the public’s support. “Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for always supporting the Teaneck Terpsichoreans.”
For more information visit http://www.teaneckterpsys.com/.
- Juliann "Jewelz" Weston
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| Terpsichorean Founder & Directress Cheryl Miller-Porter tearfully accepting her gift of a Paris trip from the group |
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