Just a few days before the Fall Dance Showcase, at one of the final practices, there is talk about how being on stage allows dancers to express their emotions. No words are needed. Just movement.  

Off the stage, senior Claire Cen does express herself through words. This is her final Fall Dance Showcase. 

“Bittersweet,” is how she describes the feeling. “I still have memories of my freshman year fall showcase, and everything has gone by so quickly.” Claire is part of the after-school Dance Company for advanced dancers. 

The Fall Dance Showcase is Friday and Saturday, November 14–15, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Norris Ely Orchard Theater. The event is billed as fun and fast-paced, which is a good way to describe a show that will feature a wide range of dance styles and solo and group pieces. Something for everyone and a lot for all. 

The Dance Company will perform "Chaos & Madness" (contemporary ballet), "Slow It Down" (contemporary), “Boom!" (hip-hop), and "Baile Inolvidable" (Latin ballroom). Many of the company dancers are also performing solos they choreographed themselves. 

The Dance Ensemble class, which meets during the school day, performs a jazz number titled “4,3,2,1.” The after-school Ballet/Tap class performs a ballet piece, “Endearments,” and a tap piece, “Right on Time.” 

Freshman April Ge said she is excited for the show and that it contains group pieces and individual pieces. Junior Grace Grilli said she is “looking forward to getting out there and performing with some of my best friends.” 

“We have really strong relationships here in Dance Company,” Grace said, “and I think that shows in our work. Dance Company, she said, has widened her perspective. “Coming from a ballet background, it has been really interesting exploring other styles.” 

Dance, she said, also allows her the chance to express herself through movement in ways that you cannot with words. “It’s really a great opportunity,” she said.