On Jan. 27-30, Dance Company held its annual winter performance in the new Peters Auditorium. The theater recently reopened after being closed for nearly 10 years due to renovations. The Dance Company performance was the first official event, featuring 23 performances, each with a different message surrounding this year’s theme, Seasons.
Last spring, preparations for this year’s show began with brainstorming theme ideas. Over the summer, choreography was developed so that rehearsals could begin immediately in August. Once the school year started, the team continued choreographing and rehearsing each dance. While some pieces were created by professional choreographers, 15 were student-choreographed. This early preparation allowed Dance Company to begin full rehearsals as early as December.
With all the changes this year, Seasons was the perfect theme; the concept of transition reflected the performances. Coincidentally, Dance Company has four senior dancers this year, one to represent each season. Choreographer Sam Allen created a piece inspired by autumn, Dance Teacher Dana Findley choreographed a winter-themed performance, choreographer Neaz Kohani brought spring to life and “Bows,” the senior-choreographed dance, embodied the warmth of summer.
The night ended on an emotional note after the senior dance and montage played. Dance Company member senior Haley Scholer said, “I’ve loved stepping up as a leader for the company and all the special moments this year. It is bittersweet, as these incredible four years are ending, but I am so grateful for all my time in DCO and all the people I’ve been able to connect with.”
Dance teacher Dana Findley, who has known most of her seniors for multiple years, said, “My heart always breaks when my seniors have to leave… it’s always hard to say goodbye. I try to tell them that this is not their peak. This is just the end of book one, and their book two is starting next year when they move on from high school.”
The show celebrated months of hard work from everyone involved. With the Peters Auditorium complete, Dance Company now looks ahead to returning to the stage for many more shows to come.
