DETROIT – Two local dancers were the stars of the opening scene on Local 4's broadcast of "The Ford Fireworks," dancing in different locations across the city, a takeoff from the movie "La La Land." Check out some of the behind-the-scenes footage -- from right here in Local 4's studio, on WDIV's rooftop and Campus Martius.
Local 4 Intern Chantel Rusher captured video of the dancers from the time they met through their last dance routine, to give you a sneak peek of the process that went into the 30 second opening dance number.
Catie Hauff, director, head choreographer and head dance instructor at Art in Motion Richmond Dance Academy, choreographed the opening number. She's been dancing for 25 years and helped the academy grow from just 35 students to more than 230. Her favorite styles are ballet and tap. "They're so different but I love them both," the Shelby Township native said.
Hauff has worked in productions at the Grosse Pointe Theater, Beneath the Trap Door Theater Company, Richmond Community Theater, I AM Theater Company, and Chesterfield Theater Company.
Ryan Harvey, an instructor at the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy, met Hauff for the first time at Local 4's studios and learned the entire routine within minutes, however, being the professionals they are, rehearsing went much longer.
"You're going to have a little nervous tension when you're not sure who you're about to meet, what they're capable of and what their mindset is," Harvey said. "But we gelled really well together. The chemistry turned out great."
Born and raised in Detroit, Harvey started dancing when he was 11 and enjoys contemporary and tap dancing. Having to learn a routine with a partner in such a short time was something neither he nor Hauff had done before.
"I have never had that experience where the day I met someone was the day I performed with them," said Hauff.
"That's a first," laughed Harvey.
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