Meet Ruby | Binford Dance Company Feature | Year Six
The Binford Dance Company was established in 2016. It is an audition-based student dance company from Binford Middle School, an arts integrated school located in Richmond, VA. Company members study Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Improvisation, and Composition within the Binford dance program. The company has performed throughout the community including: The 2019 Superintendent’s State of the Schools Address, Generation Dream, Richmond Public Schools Fine Arts Festival, Strawberry Street Festival, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, Petersburg Home for Ladies, and Cedarfield Retirement Community. The company also had the opportunity to perform in the music videos “Have It All” and “Love Is Still The Answer” by Jason Mraz. The Binford Dance Company inspires students to find their own voice through performance and choreography while learning valuable skills in the rehearsal process including collaboration, respect, and confidence.
This year the company dancers met at the VMFA and chose their favorite spots to showcase their movement and choreography they have learned through this year’s dance curriculum.
MEET ruby
RUBY- 8th Grade
Hello! My name is Ruby and this is my dance journey. I began to dance when I was very young, at age four. From then on, I danced my heart out doing performances, going to camps, and taking classes. In sixth grade, I was afforded the opportunity to be a part of the Binford Dance Company, which changed the way I viewed dance forever.
Truth be told, dance hadn’t been such a passion of mine up until I began dancing with the Binford Dance Company. The love for dance that I had was always lit up whenever I was dancing in the studio. I remember my heart feeling the happiest it had ever been. Overall, it changed my personality, my perspectives, and my life. When I was little, dance was more of a hobby than anything else. I mean, yes, I loved to dance, but I guess I never saw how much it really impacted my life. When I dance, I feel like I am painting a beautiful work of art that takes a lot of time and a lot of effort. All in all, dance makes me feel free.
Being a part of the Binford Dance Company is something that I will be grateful for til the day I die. Not only did I grow as a person, I elevated in many ways as a dancer. In my future, I want to make dance a main priority of mine. Even though I may not dance as often, it will forever be a part of who I truly am.