The spring term dance show was nothing short of spectacular, offering a vibrant array of dance styles and captivating performances.
As described by Anqi Hou, one of the dance captains, the theme for this term was “freedom,” allowing unparalleled creativity among the choreographers and enabling them to explore a variety of dance styles and narratives. “This term, we had a lot of student choreo, which I think is one of the perks or a very special part of our theme,” she noted. “Any dancer who wants to choreograph a dance piece can do that.” This open-ended approach led to a diverse and eclectic program that showcased the unique talents and perspectives of the students.
Despite the creative freedom, the term was not without its difficulties. The demanding schedule and the need to balance academics with dance commitments were significant challenges. “I would say this term especially… it goes back to the time, because we’re all students here, and being a student comes first,” Anqi explained. The sense of community and support amongst the dancers definitely helped with the atmosphere, though. “I would say we’re quite a family. It’s full of support,” Anqi says. The support nature was evident in the rehearsal process and the performances, with dancers helping each other perfect their moves and navigate complicated choreography. The dancers also helped each other outside rehearsals and formed close bonds with each other.
The variety in the dance show was remarkable, with performances ranging from joyous and celebratory to introspective and poignant. “We have Fosse-esque jazz pieces, we have musical theatre-inspired pieces, and we have hip-hop that comes from our dancers,” Anqi highlighted. The show also included various pieces tackling themes of grief, love, and sacrifice, each delivered with emotional depth.
The final dance of the show, “One Light/Zombie,” was a deeply moving and memorable performance that resonated with hope and transformation. The dancers told an emotional story of a person losing her way, emphasising the importance of support through evocative movements. When another person faced similar struggles, they were lifted up and embraced with unwavering support and care. The dancers’ expressive storytelling and heartfelt performance made “One Light/Zombie” an unforgettable and uplifting conclusion to the show, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and connection
Anqi expressed her hope for the performance and the dancers. “I hope that while we’re dancing, the dancers are having fun with each other. Performing in front of the school can be nerve-wracking, but I do hope that dancers feel the thrill of performing in front of an audience,” she said. Most of all, she hoped that everyone enjoyed the show.
The spring term dance show was certainly a resounding success, highlighting the creativity, dedication, and camaraderie of the dancers. With its diverse array of performances and the emotional resonance of its pieces, the show was a testament to the talent and hard work of everyone involved.
