Dancing The Night Away

Friday evening was the highly anticipated 4^th Annual Dance Recital. This recital culminated all the hard work and discipline of the program, that combines athletics and the art form of dance. Our dance instructor is Ms. Stephanie Cummings, and the dancers are: Sawyer Harris '28, Maran Hawley '26, Sara Matus Dominguez '28, Laura Oulton '27, Elisa Lastra Rubio '25, Emily Mei '24, and Tanvi Manchineni '24.

It is immediately impressive because of the human qualities of vulnerability and confidence. The audience was in awe at the maturity of the dancers and complexity of the routines and more so because the sheer love and passion of dance was apparent in every routine. Dance Captain Emily Mei has danced with the program for three years and improvised her entire piece on Friday night. You would never have known as it was strong, fluid, rhythmic, and entirely full of purpose. Emily is graduating this year and has danced since she was four years old. In her words:

"As much as I'm ready for the future, I'm scared of it, but this song reminds me to make the most of the time we have. Improvisation is such an intimate and intense form of dance; it feels like putting your heart and soul on the stage. This solo is a celebration and medley of my love for dance, presenting the image that growing up isn't a bad thing."

Dance Captain Tanvi Manchineni has been a part of the team for three years and has danced since a very young age. Her cultural and dynamic movement in the Tollywood style of dance resonates with her words: “to entertain and to tell a story.” Tanvi’s command and grace of her movements were outstanding and magnetic to watch!

The art and act of belonging is what we all want and strive for. In our lives, here at school, and as a community. It is this sense of being so completely at one with yourself that made for joy and tears watching the dance recital. In the words of Elisa, a Grade 11 student:

"My routine represents empowerment, independence, and self-confidence. I did this choreography with the goal to transmit that we don’t need to depend on anyone’s opinion to validate ourselves because the only validation one needs is the one we give ourselves."

Her powerful conviction in her body movements left no doubt she’s your ally!

There were treasures in everyone’s solo performance which conveyed personal expression, athletic grace, control, instinct, and transformation. The younger members of the team have an incredible future in dance, and we are so fortunate to have them lead the way.

In the words of Grade 9 student Laura Oulton: “It is about finding solitude in a mess of chaos. The inspiration to choreograph this piece comes from having first-hand experience with being a student-athlete and having to balance school and performing at the highest level in other sports.”

Lastly, to repeat the words describing the last group routine, from Dance Instructor Stephanie Cummings:

"In a world where we grow up with the pressure to look and behave a certain way, achieve high goals with an assumption of ease, and people please everyone around, this routine is a kind reminder that by being yourself, you are already achieving wonders. Feeling lost, confused, sad, mad, and alone are feelings everyone has very likely experienced at some point in their life. The movement in this piece shows you that you are not alone in your feelings. It is okay to feel these emotions but don’t let these feelings keep you stuck. Look to others, and reach out a hand for help, and I am sure you will find many who understand and would be happy to help you. We were all made for goodness, each of us in our own unique and special ways. I hope this piece leaves you feeling seen, heard, and supported."

We were more than supported on Friday evening, we were lifted up to a higher place of being.