More Than Academics: How Riverdale’s TDF Department Builds Creativity
Riverdale is widely known for its rigorous academics, but right now, beyond the classroom, the arts are taking center stage. This month, the Arts Department, including Riverdale’s robust music program, is buzzing with activity, collaboration, and behind-the-scenes work that brings students together. From rehearsals and choreography sessions to film editing and music production, the arts are shaping daily life across campus.
Currently, the theater department is preparing for its production of A Chorus Line, with students working both onstage and behind the scenes as opening night approaches. The Film Club is deep in production on a piece for the May film festival, while the dance team is finalizing choreography for their performance at Buzzell’s basketball game next week. These projects reflect not only polished performances, but also the process, teamwork, and creativity that define Riverdale’s arts community.
As the dance club prepares for its incredible performance at the Buzzell basketball game next week, senior and co-captain of the dance team, Vivian Ostfeld, describes the time, detail and effort put into this performance The choreography is created by the captains, seniors Anika Narayan, Vivian Ostfeld, and Ella Werber. Vivian shares how “the club collectively chooses a song that matches the dance vibe,” creating a more communal and engaged environment. She also explains the increase in popularity of the club: “many new members have joined” creating a more close knit community across all grades.
Riverdale’s film program brings another dimension to TDF, combining creativity with precision. Twelfth grader Charlie Epstein describes learning film as both joyful and demanding. She explains that the program places strong emphasis on structure, rigidity, and detail—from framing shots and editing sequences to understanding pacing and visual storytelling. While the process can be highly technical, Epstein believes that mastering these skills allows for deeper self-expression. By learning the rules of filmmaking, students gain the freedom to bend them, using film as a powerful outlet for creativity and personal voice.
For seniors like Adi Ang, the arts have been a defining part of their Riverdale experience. Ang explains how the jazz ensemble has been working hard for performances in the spring including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Festival, and the International Jazz Day Celebration at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. She says how “the orchestra will also receive coaching from David Robertson, an American conductor.” Ang has taken jazz for five years, chamber music for four, and orchestra for the first time this year. One feature that makes Riverdale’s music program stand out, Ang explains, is access. “Riverdale gives an instrument to every student,” making participation possible regardless of background. The close-knit nature of ensembles also creates strong bonds. “The jazz band is really close and intimate,” Ang says, adding that the program even offers travel opportunities. “I went to England with the jazz ensemble in 10th grade.”
Ang credits Riverdale, and especially music teacher, Jason Curry, with expanding their musical identity. “I learned how to play jazz at Riverdale, and without the guidance of Mr. Curry, I would still be a strictly classical pianist.” Chamber music also led to lasting friendships. “I met one of my closest friends, cellist junior Elizabeth Shen, in ninth grade. We’ve been playing together throughout high school.”
Theater at Riverdale similarly fosters confidence and belonging. Penelope Frisch, a junior, has participated in productions such as Girls Like That, Trapped, and Sense and Sensibility. She credits theater with helping her grow more comfortable with public speaking and with easing her transition into high school. “I found a sense of belonging and met people in grades above me,” she says. Now, as an upperclassman, Frisch enjoys mentoring younger students and helping them find their place in the community.
Senior Grace Selvers echoes that sentiment. Having performed in shows such as Urinetown, Matilda, Mean Girls, and the upcoming production of A Chorus Line, which premieres this week, Selvers emphasizes that the strength of Riverdale theater lies in the community behind each production. “No matter what role you have, you’re always learning and enjoying every minute, whether you’re in front of the stage or working behind it,” she says. As opening night approaches, the excitement surrounding A Chorus Line highlights the collaboration, dedication, and passion that define Riverdale theater.
Across dance studios, music rooms, film labs, and stages, Riverdale’s arts department offers far more than technical instruction. It gives students space to explore self-expression, take creative risks, and form meaningful connections. Whether through the discipline of filmmaking, the collaboration of music ensembles, or the shared excitement of a show about to hit the stage, the arts at Riverdale continue to shape students into confident, creative individuals.