Dancers at SJHHS put their skills to the test in a showcase done only once a year where student dancers created their own choreography to perform.

“In the past we’ve had guest choreographers come and they choose what to do… this time, we were given a theme, and we came up with our own ideas and our own song and everything,” says Chloe Tilton (9), a dancer in “Glory and Gore.”

The theme of “Fantasy vs. Reality” was suggested by a dancer, Quiana Reeds (12), and then chosen by captains of the dance program.

“It’s always hard to be given a theme and follow it because you sort of have other ideas but you can almost make anything work if you really try,” says Tilton. “At first it was a lot easier to come up with ideas but we sort of used up all our ideas so towards the end it got harder… luckily in my group everyone was willing to listen to everyone’s ideas and compromise with certain things.”

Following a choreography rubric given to them, the dancers collaborated for six weeks before the recital performed last week on Friday, January 29th, and Saturday, January 30th. They were checked upon weekly but were given little help by teachers as an opportunity to show their talents on stage as their own.

“We’re pretty confident in our performance. We practiced very hard and we’re very committed,” says Amanda Rhodes (12), a dancer in the dance “Game On,” when asked how she felt about her group’s upcoming performance. “In the beginning you know what you want from the dance but when it comes to specific details and specific moves… it becomes a bit more difficult.”

The work must have payed off! On the last night of performances, Mrs. Calder awarded Rhodes’ dance, “Game on,” as well as the dances “Seven Devils” and “Say My Name” with the honor of performing their choreography again in the upcoming “Choreographer’s Ball.”

The dances were voted on three times by, first, the other dancers, then, the cheers of the audience, and, finally, Mrs. Calder. The dance awarded first place in each vote was chosen for “anchor” positions in the upcoming ball.

While the other dancers will be choreographed and directed by guest choreographers, these anchor dances will be given the chance to show their talent once again on the stage.

“It’s a huge honor,” says Jackie Tran (12), a dancer in the dance “Say my Name.” “We’re really excited.”

Even if they didn’t win the spot of an anchor dance in the ball, all dancers were very happy and proud of their dances.

Emily Hernandez (9), also from the dance “Glory and Gore” says, “We worked very hard and we did the best we could and I’m very proud!”