ChiArts dances into the spotlight on Orange Friday

CHICAGO - The Orange Friday High School of the Week spotlighted the talented students of The Chicago School for the Arts (ChiArts), a CPS school dedicated to fostering diversity in the arts.

Tracey Franklin, head of the Conservatory Dance Department, highlighted the school’s unique mission as the nation’s first to offer dance training to novice students. 

"So a lot of our kids are coming from all over the Chicagoland area, some having dance training but a lot of them are new to dance, for the very first time," said Franklin. 

Anthony Bruno, head of the Conservatory Music Department, spoke about the journey of students who are new to playing instruments. 

"We have a lot of students who come to ChiArts as novices, which means they have little to no formal training, like private lessons or band classes. So when they get here, they work incredibly hard to put it all together, and I think the product is fantastic," said Bruno.

The Jazz Combo showcased their hard work with a festive performance of "Sleigh Ride" to ring in the holidays.

Executive Director Tina Boyer Brown, a passionate Bears fan, received a personalized Bears jersey from Good Day Chicago. 

"I would like to welcome all Bears Nation to be part of the ChiArts nation," said Brown.

All of the arts programs are donor-funded. For more information, click here. 

Auditions for ChiArts are currently open and will run through Dec. 15.