SILER CITY, N.C. — Dance performances return to Jordan-Matthews High School after many decades, when beginning students take the stage this week for “Winter Dance,” a free, 40-minute show featuring five works in the styles of jazz, modern and hip hop.

“Winter Dance” — set for Friday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m. in the JM Auditorium — is the first public performance since dance classes returned to JM this semester after a several-decade hiatus.

JM Dance is now under the direction of Tara Rooks, who came to Siler City this fall to begin her first full-time faculty position in schools. She previously taught residencies for K-12 students as a dancer and instructor with Annex Dance Company in Charleston, S.C. Before that, she served as a dancer, choreographer or instructor with Burlington (N.C.) Dance Center, West Virginia Dance Company and Infinite Dance Studios in Australia.

“When I interviewed, I liked the feel of JM, and the idea of building a program from the ground up is very exciting,” she said when named the school's dance instructor. “High school dance was where I got inspired to study dance in college and make it my career. I want to bring this vibrant option to JM students, especially those who’ve never had a chance to study dance. Maybe they can discover a passion they never knew existed.”

JMArts President Rose Pate, who retired this summer after more than four decades as the school’s librarian, has been working to expand the arts program and bring dance back to Jordan-Matthews. She is excited for what “Winter Dance” means for local arts.

“We look forward to showcasing the work of our beginning dance students, and we appreciate the support of the district and Northwood as we start to develop our dance program,” she said. “This concert is free, so all of our family, friends and public can enjoy the event.”

More information about JMArts, including a schedule of all upcoming arts events and information on membership, is available online at JMArts.org.

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