Marinette junior makes history as first student choreographer

MARINETTE — It’s 3:20 p.m. on a Thursday, and Connor Whisler, 16, is quietly confident onstage.

The Marinette High School is rehearsing for its musical, “Anything Goes,” which debuts on Friday at 7 p.m. at the school’s W.J. Jones auditorium, 2135 Pierce Ave., Marinette.

But he’s not just taking direction; he’s dishing it out.

Whisler, a junior, is the school’s first student choreographer, mapping out three numbers in the upcoming show.

“I’ve been dancing for a while,” Whisler said.

He’s being modest.

Whisler has been dancing since he was about 3. He said he eventually wants to go to school for teaching, with a minor in dance.

He quickly visualizes a step the students are struggling with, making a triangle with his hands and then acting out the sequence.

The collaboration with Whisler was the idea of Director Cyndee Giebler, who is off stage, playing music and giving cues.

“It occurred to me that he had an extensive background in dance, and maybe we could find a way to showcase it,” Giebler said. “We are so fortunate to have someone with Connor’s ability.”

His parents, who moved from the Madison area about eight years ago, said he’s been passionate about dance since he could talk.

“He’s the kid that would dance around the house when he was supposed to be doing chores,” said his mom, Abby.

He’s the youngest of three kids, and his parents talk about his big break when he was around 7 and a primary character in a production of the musical “Big Fish.”

“He does it all himself,” Abby said. “When it comes to something he’s passionate about, he makes sure it happens.”

Connor is supporting his dance coach of nine years, Meg Bero, the head choreographer doing the two big production numbers in the show, which involves a lot of tap dancing.

She said that witnessing Connor grow through the years has been a privilege. He’s attended a university dance camp and has even begun assisting young students from Studio 170, the dance studio she owns.

“It’s been a joy at rehearsals to watch him instruct his peers,” Bero said, remarking on him laying the foundation for his teaching style. “I see key elements to his personality — humor, hard work and patience.”

She said Connor has grown significantly in the past two years.

“It’s an honor to see him apply what he’s learned in classes to create his own choreography,” Bero said.

He said he often rehearses with students during their study hall hour, getting advice and tips from Bero on how to block certain tango moves.

“I’ve learned how to teach,” Connor said. “I feel like that’s a thing that will help me in the future.”

He said he eventually wants to own his own dance studio, as Bero does in Peshtigo.

His passion has been met with skepticism at times, his mom said.

“Kids have said things like, ‘Boys don’t dance,’” Abby said.

Perhaps it’s that simple fact that makes Whisler stand out from the crowd, other than his height — he towers over some kids at 6 feet, 2 inches.

“He’s been the only boy in many scenarios, and that doesn’t bother him at all,” Abby said. “The kid never stops.”

It started as a preschooler, when he joined dance, his dad, Michael, said.

“He hit that hardwood floor, took off and never looked back,” Michael said.

Now, the poster for the musical lists Connor as an additional choreographer.

“It was a proud parent moment,” Michael said.

Both parents said that tap is their favorite dance Connor does.

In the musical, he choreographs a group of four and also some other dances, including partner work with Ona “Atlas” White, a junior who plays her first lead role as Reno Sweeney.

“I’ve never done a choreographed dance,” White said of their tango. “This was my first go at it.”

She dances the number with Connor.

“We clicked so easily,” White said. “It’s really fun because we’re really competitive.”

They’re all about the work — ensuring each step is on the mark.

“Ugh, you’re right!” she’ll shout when they screw up.

As they rehearse the show’s title song, we return to the moment where Connor teaches the cast his choreography — it’s an easy triangle maneuver, he says. Everyone catches on quickly.

He stands beside White, and they raise their hands, singing, “Anything goes.”

In a way, he’s still that 3-year-old starting dance and that 7-year-old in his first big role, but fully realized now into a 16-year-old, with the support of his peers, tackling a career milestone with ease.

“Connor, you’re so smart!” someone shouts after they learn the step.

Yes, you are. Never stop, kid.

“Anything Goes” will run on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. People can visit anchorplayhouse.ludus.com to purchase tickets.