WESTFIELD TWP. – The Ohio Arts Council’s Teach Ohio Arts Grant has provided an exciting opportunity for Cloverleaf High School students to explore the art of dance. Awarded to educator Angela Leonard, the grant has allowed a guest teaching artist to work with students throughout the school year, bringing a new dimension to the school’s performing arts.
Through this program, students have embraced dance as an integral part of their artistic expression, guided by experienced professionals like guest teaching artist Kimberly Jarvis, a Cloverleaf High School alumna.
“It's been incredible to witness the enthusiasm of the students as they engage with dance,” said Jarvis. “Seeing dance – a core subject in Ohio's fine arts curriculum and a required part of the state's prescribed curriculum – offered as a study opportunity at Cloverleaf this year has been an exciting milestone.”
The program has seen significant progress, despite initial skepticism. Thanks to the dedication of educators and students, dance has become a valued part of the school's fine arts offerings for this year. Choir students have eagerly taken on new dance techniques, with the Bass Choir preparing a tap dance performance for its May concert. The Crescendo Show Choir has progressed from minimal movement to fully choreographed routines, incorporating swing dance and improved strength training. This winter, senior Addie Groetz fully choreographed the Crescendo Show Choir numbers, showcasing her leadership and creative vision. Additionally, the Mass Choir performed “Hot Chocolate” from “The Polar Express” at its Christmas concert and is now preparing “Footloose” for the spring.
Cloverleaf students are also celebrating their new high school building, which features a state-of-the-art theater. The addition of this dedicated performance space has further enriched the school's performing arts programs, providing an inspiring venue for students to showcase their talents.
Collaboration has been key to this success. Leonard, now in her 28th year teaching choral music at Cloverleaf High School, has played a vital role in expanding student engagement in the performing arts. Having taught elementary band, middle school choir, and now high school choir, she brings a wealth of experience to the program. Leonard also spent seven years as assistant marching band director at Ashland University and has directed five high school musicals, in addition to performing clarinet and alto saxophone in pit orchestras. Drama Director Victoria Krus, now in her seventh year teaching English at Cloverleaf High School, has co-directed 11 productions on the Cloverleaf stage. Technical Director Scott Bell, an English teacher in Cleveland, is in his fourth year leading technical direction for the Cloverleaf spring musical.
The community is invited to witness the growth of the performing arts at Cloverleaf as the Cloverleaf High School Drama Club presents its spring musical, “The Wizard of Oz.” Sophomore MacLaine Bell serves as the dance captain for the production, leading more than 25 students in large group dance numbers. Performances will take place March 13-15 at 7 p.m. at the Cloverleaf Center for the Performing Arts.
Tickets are $10 online and at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The production also features Cloverleaf Elementary School and Cloverleaf Middle School students. Click HERE for tickets and information.