The Show Goes On With Shen

It’s difficult enough to replace an educator who spent 38 years mastering her craft, and even more challenging to do so in the middle of a pandemic that limits an instructor’s interaction with students.
And when the discipline is dance, the task at hand grows only more difficult.
That’s what Tracy Shen faced in August when she took over the San Marino High School dance program from Bonnie Hanson, who had held the post for almost four decades before retiring in May.
Fortunately, Shen has plenty of experience on which to rely during this most unique of times. Though this is her first teaching job in a scholastic setting, Shen has been instructing at dance studios in New York City and Los Angeles for the past 10 years. Shen found out about the position through an SMHS graduate who recommended that Shen fill out an application.
What she may lack in classroom experience, she more than makes up for on the boards. Shen received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from UC Irvine, where she was a William Gillespie scholar. She is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree at the University of La Verne.

A classically trained dancer of 22 years, Shen began her journey in the art in a local ballet studio. At Temple City High School, she participated in the popular Choreo Dance Team. After graduation from Irvine, Shen continued a professional bicoastal dance career in both Los Angeles and New York City, working with notable companies such as Peridance Contemporary Dance Company and the Chase Brock Experience.
Little could ever prepare one for teaching such a personal, participatory subject as dance in a remote environment, but Shen is doing her level best under the circumstances.
“Dance is a social, communal and physical practice,” said Shen. “Teaching dance remotely to a screen has stripped away the essence of the art form. However, it also brought so much joy during these uncertain times. In my class, I provide multiple opportunities for the students to bond as a community, to collaborate and share their feedback.”
Of course, it’s not without its drawbacks.
“There is often a limited amount of space for students to move at home,” said Shen. “There is also an inability to view full bodies on camera to check for comprehension, and the hiatus of in-person performances.”
Some of the lessons Shen has learned?

“Clear verbal instructions are great, but demonstration is key,” she said. “Also, music can energize and set the mood in a classroom, so I have my students share their favorite songs and create a class playlist. Also, predetermined hand gestures can help students provide feedback while learning, and this also reduces the infamous silence that is caused by lapses in the virtual transmission.”
Shen has three daily dance periods for students who are beginners, intermediates and members of the advanced Dance Company, for whom she also volunteers additional time after regular hours.
She has produced two virtual dance performances so far at SMHS, “Stronger Together” and “A Night of Choreography,” both of which have received tremendous support and exceptional feedback from the community.
“And most importantly, the shows provided students with a sense of pride,” said Shen. “Overall, I am proud to have the role of getting students up and moving after hours of sitting in front of their screens during remote learning.”
Shen’s efforts haven’t been lost on senior Jordyn Sanchez, who has been dancing since middle school and is a student choreographer, two-year Dance Company member and four-year cheerleader. Sanchez plans on joining a dance and theater program along with potentially being a college cheerleader.
“I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today without Ms. Shen,” said Sanchez. “She is a fantastic choreographer, a phenomenal teacher and an even better friend. She lets us be creative with choreography and teaches us life skills about the professional world of dance that will help me become the best dancer I can be.”
Shen also provided a curtsy of sorts to her predecessor.
“Bonnie Hanson has created such an incredible legacy at San Marino High School,” said Shen. “I deeply respect what she has done for the visual and performing arts over the past three decades. Since working with the dance department, I have witnessed the students’ immense dedication to preserving dance at the high school. This program is a highlight in their education and creates unforgettable experiences. I look forward to leading this new dance chapter at San Marino High School.”