19 / 03 / 25 | NEWS
Saturday, 15 February – Thursday, 20 February 2025
On Saturday 15 February 2025, 38 of our students embarked on an unforgettable journey to New York City, where creativity, culture, and the Performing Arts came together in a whirlwind of workshops, performances, and exploration! The trip was not just about seeing world-class shows and visiting iconic landmarks, but about living the arts in every way imaginable.
We kicked off our adventure with two amazing workshops that truly got everyone involved. Our students worked on stage combat—learning how to perform dramatic fight sequences with precision and safety—and enjoyed an inspiring singing workshop. Dr Watzka and Mr Bader dove into these workshops with such enthusiasm, showing that they are true performers at heart! Several of our students even had the opportunity to showcase their voices in the musical workshops, receiving personalised, one-on-one feedback from industry professionals. It was an incredible moment for our aspiring performers.
Later that evening, we enjoyed a fun-filled dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., where a few birthday songs were sung, and everyone devoured delicious dishes with smiles all around. Afterward, we headed to the dazzling Moulin Rouge on Broadway! The energy in the theatre was contagious, and the spectacular production was nothing short of breathtaking. What a way to start our NYC adventure!
The next day was equally exciting. We were lucky enough to visit the prestigious Alvin Ailey Dance Centre, where our students participated in an incredible Horton dance workshop. The students were fascinated by the depth of Alvin Ailey’s work and had the chance to take a guided tour of the building. The energy was contagious, and you could see how much our dancers absorbed from the experience.
After dancing, we took the subway to grab a long-awaited lunch at Chick-fil-A (a firm favourite of the group!). With our bellies (very) full, we visited the 9/11 Memorial, a moving and educational experience that left everyone reflective and appreciative of the significance of the site.
In the afternoon, we indulged in a bit of shopping—mostly at Sephora…… But we also took the time to explore the unique NYC gift shops. However, the highlight of the day came in the evening when we dined at the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Our students were in awe as the waitstaff, some of whom are Broadway performers, treated us to jaw-dropping renditions of hits from Wicked, Mamma Mia, and more! As the students tucked into burgers, fries, and pasta, they agreed that it was “the best night of their lives.”
On Wednesday morning, we were up early and headed to the Museum of Broadway, where our students had the chance to see iconic costumes from various Broadway shows and even dance in a virtual set from West Side Story—talk about an interactive experience!
Afterward, we hosted our own talent show at Marymount. Miss Sharp kicked off the performances with an amazing rendition of ‘Defying Gravity’, followed by impressive acts from Leticia and Medow (Grade 7), Danielle (Grade 9), and Amaya (Grade 6). Our students’ talent left everyone in awe and feeling like a strong performing community.
Later, we explored the iconic Radio City Music Hall, home to the legendary Rockettes. We learned about the theatre’s history and art deco design and even had the chance to chat with a Rockette—a truly inspiring moment for our young performers (and Miss Tozer).
A delicious lunch at Raising Cane’s (more fried chicken, of course!) fuelled us for our final performance of the day, Hell’s Kitchen. The students were treated to a dynamic and vibrant show that captured their imaginations. Even better, we had organised a surprise Q&A with the cast afterward, where our students got to ask questions and learn about the world of performing firsthand. By the end of the night, everyone was exhausted—but it was totally worth it!
Thursday morning saw us packing up and heading over to Marymount School New York where we were warmly welcomed by the Headmistress, Mrs Concepcion Alvar, and the Performing Arts faculty, including Ms Pietropinto, the Head of Performing Arts. Students toured the stunning new two-level theatre space and met talented professionals in the Performing Arts field. The highlight of the day was a special interview with Donna Vivino, an American actress who starred as Elphaba in Wicked and Jersey in Hell’s Kitchen. Not only did she share her experiences with Broadway, we were even treated to an impromptu performance!
Afterwards, students participated in a dance workshop led by professionals from Hell’s Kitchen, learning the original choreography from the show. It was such a great opportunity for our students to learn directly from industry experts.
Before we said our farewells, students and faculty shared a wonderful lunch together. It was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible experience.
As we boarded the coach to head to the airport, it was clear that this trip had left an indelible mark on our students. From dynamic workshops to Broadway shows, inspiring talks, and unforgettable moments, this trip reaffirmed the power and joy of the performing arts.
We hope this adventure reminded everyone of the magic that creativity and passion bring to our lives. Here’s to more trips, more performances, and more memories to come!
Ms D Tozer
Dance Teacher & Trip Leader
08 Apr 2025
11 Feb 2025
09 Jan 2025