The dance department brought emotion and creativity to the stage on Friday, December 12, with the Winter Dance Concert titled Fragments. Held in the school auditorium, the show began at 7 p.m. and featured performances from Dance 1 and Dance 2, both choreographed by Ms. Dula. The concert also included a piece by the Honors Dance class that was guest choreographed by Stazia Ritch. Along with additional student-choreographed performances.
Throughout the semester, students worked hard during their dance class to learn choreography for the winter show that represents pieces of Fragments.
Junior Honors Dance student, and dance team member, Daniella Cedeno, explained how preparation helped make the Honors Dance successful.
“To prepare for my Honors Dance, Ms. Dula would have us write down our counts so we would be dancing more as a unit.” Said Cedeno.
In addition to the class dances, students were given the opportunity to audition for extra pieces, including duets, trios and small group dances.
These pieces were student-choreographed and allowed dancers to express their own ideas while still connecting to the theme of Fragments. Many dancers were members of the dance team, but participation was open to all students who auditioned.
One standout performance was a duet by sophomore dance team members Ashley Lou and Vivian Yang, to “Die on This Hill” by Sienna Sipro. Their piece focused on the idea of friendship and the memories that build over time, showing how shared experiences become fragments of a person’s life.
“The meaning of fragments to me meant pieces and moments of my life that shaped me,” Lou said.
Another duet was performed by sophomore dance team members Allison Fleeman and her partner Parker Grindley to the song “You Stole the Show” by Sienna Sipro. Through soft movements and emotional moments, the piece showed how people can become meaningful fragments of our lives.
“Our dance was about a person you meet, and they leave a part of them with you, like fragments that make us who we are,” Fleeman explained.
Sophomore and Honors Dance students, Allie Surmacewicz and Daniella Cedeno choreographed a piece to “Gravity” by Sara Bareilles. Their piece represented being stuck in a situation that feels heavy and hard to escape, showing how difficult experiences can shape a person over time.
As the night continued, it became clear that Fragments was more than just a dance concert. Each piece, whether choreographed by Ms. Dula, a guest, or by students, told a story about moments, relationships, and emotions that stay with us. With teachers, students, friends, and families in attendance, the concert highlighted the dedication and passion of the dance program and left the audience with a powerful message about the pieces that shape who we are.
