Every term, the Kent School Dance Ensemble (KSDE) produces a recital comprised all the dances the team has choreographed and practiced over the term. The theme for the spring dance show was “Tell A Story” — the dancers are encouraged to develop their own pieces that would tell a personal story. Among the 14 dancers, some chose to perform solo pieces, while others worked together. The recital began with a tap dance arranged to the song “Shim Sham,” featuring everybody from the KSDE. This impressive opening act was followed by a variety of individual and group performances. The last dance of the day was “Don’t Let Me Down,” once again by the entire KSDE. What a perfect way to wrap up for the graduating seniors!

The technical direction of the show was impressive. The dancers’ silhouettes were alluring under the colorful stage lighting, designed by Sar Thwaites ‘24 and Lemur Han ‘23. With the support of the technicians, each of them had the opportunity to design the lighting for one night’s show. Ms. Heather Holohan-Guarnieri, the dance instructor, proudly commented that Thwaites and Han “did a great job creating a unique feel for each piece and utilizing all of the new lights Ms. [Stephanie] Jackson has introduced to us a special feeling for each piece.”

Over the years, Ms. Heather introduced various dance styles to KSDE: starting with jazz, modern, and contemporary styles, and now the addition of tap, musical theater dance, and world dance. For every show, she spends days in the studio and auditorium to ensure that all things go as planned.

As this is the last dance recital of the graduating seniors, Ms. Heather encouraged them to “keep dancing in whatever realm that may be, and to remember that they can always create their own path, and make their own way.”

Congratulations KSDE! You did it again!