For two nights, May 10 and 11, I was present at the annual performance of CHOREO, a culmination of the Jericho Dance Program. In CHOREO, the dances are for the most part choreographed by students as well as usually one guest choreographer and the dance instructor. CHOREO is usually a huge success, enjoyed by all, especially the seniors who have the opportunity to choreograph and perform one special piece, just for them, "The Senior Number."

Well, this year at the absolute 11th hour, the day of the performance, Superintendent Henry L. Grishman, in response to an anonymous parent complaint, pulled one of the songs out of CHOREO. This was a song by Janet Jackson (All for You) that just won an award on the Nickelodean Kids Network. No consideration was given to the girls who worked so hard to create a very intricate dance to this very upbeat song. This decision caused mass hysteria and heartbreak, as these dancers ran around the entire day seeking help from some sympathetic faculty to resolve the issue and salvage the dance. The dance did manage to be presented but a major portion of the beginning and the end (the most intricate choreographed portions) was cut. The dancers, despite what could have been a disaster, performed beautifully. This is a tribute to their talent and resilience.

My question is, what happened to the spirit? As a result of this mess, the whole CHOREO program lacked the usual exuberant spirit (especially Thursday night). There was an underlying somberness, especially among the seniors. There was the threat of protest which put a damper on the entire show.

This could have been handled in a better way. The response to that letter could have been, "Thank you very much for your concern, but it is too late to make changes now. I have viewed the dance movements and the attire that was to be worn, the dance is very tasteful and in no way interprets the lyrics which, sung so fast, are not really noticeable while the audience is concentrating on the dancers. In the future I will be more vigilant in reviewing the selected songs. Enjoy the show!" The dancers were, indeed, respectfully dressed and there were no suggestive movements.

This also raises the issue of censorship. Isn't it the constitutional right of all to express ourselves? Should I also start banning books from the library collection? I surely hope the legal community is taking heed of what has happened.

Censorship? Why just pick on one song? There was another song by Domino (Rhythm n' Blues) that spoke of, "I'm just a woman in the business of love"... What kind of business is that? There was the French version of Taboo, who knows what those lyrics were? I'm sure if I really studied many of the other pop songs used I would find more questionable lyrics. Last year there was quite a sexy rendition in movements to Bob Fosse's Cabaret. Where were the censorship police?

The point is, this whole dilemma was unnecessary. The show, as a whole, was very nice, but the incident has scarred the memories of Jericho High School for the seniors. It took the happiness out of their "last hurrah." I feel that they were victims and should be given very special recognition for their valiance (especially the two choreographers).

I now feel sorry for the future CHOREOS. Should they be watered down to piano recitals with no lyrics to be concerned with?

Many people worked very hard, and the dance program (in a school that is not a specialized arts school) is excellent. I'm truly sorry that Ms. Anonymity, the letter writer, was so victorious. I hope she enjoys the future, spiritless, watered-down, censored performances.

Patricia Mack,

An outraged parent