Magnum Opus: a great work; the greatest achievement of an artist or writer. Since the club’s start ten years ago, the Walpole High School Dance Company has put on 10 shows and 98 dances. This spring, the company celebrated its tenth year with a performance titled “Magnum Opus.” On April 2 and 4 at 7:30, students, parents, alumni, and teachers filled the auditorium to see the show. The 32 dancers sold out the show on their opening night and came close to selling out again on their second night. Set to a variety of music, the show was the final product of a season that began in November under the direction of Mr. Rich Kim, an art teacher at WHS, and head captain, senior Rachel Graham.
“Magnum Opus” brought together a wide variety of music and voice-overs. Choreography was set to music and dialogue from Sam Smith, Queen, David Bowie, James Blake, Hillary Clinton, Daft Punk, several opera singers, and director Stanley Kubrick’s films. The show was about pushing the boundaries of dance and surprising the audience, as the company did not solely perform modern numbers: Mr. Kim included lyrical dances, including “Sticks and Stones” and “Homecoming of the Brave” in the show this year.
“Most of the audience didn’t really understand dance or hadn’t really been exposed to a wide range of dance before they came to the show. That’s one of the biggest goals in dance,” said Mr. Kim.
Along with Graham, senior co-captains Andie Painten, Caroline Falvey, and junior co-captain Molly Rockwood prepared the dancers for the big nights of performances this spring. Head choreographer, senior Kia Kaizer, and junior choreographers Felicia Romeo, Katie McGovern, Kayla Frost, and sophomore Mikaela McSharry also assumed the responsibility of providing the majority of dance moves for “Magnum Opus.”
“It can be stressful throughout the year to be part of the leadership team but it feels so amazing after the last show to know that you’ve put on an unforgettable performance,” said Rachel Graham.
This year, Mr. Kim also contacted alumni to help out with the show. Alyssa Tempesta (‘09), Laura Barajas (‘11), and Alyson Tomasetti (‘11) answered the call, attending many of the company’s rehearsals and providing guidance and choreography.
“Dance Company has kept me sane through school, work and stress,” said Tempesta.
This year’s performance was acclaimed by students and teachers alike. When asked about the audience reaction, Mr. Kim said, “People don’t realize how emotional they get.” Some dances, like “Homecoming of the Brave,” inspired tears, while crowd favorite, “The Feminine Mystique,” got laughs from the audience at some points. Junior Allison Cullen, an attendee at the show, said, “[The show] tackled topics that a lot of people don’t want to talk about.”
Alumni also cheered on recreated choreography from the company’s second show, The Last Breath, in “BravOpera.” Hearing the support from more than one hundred alumni who were not involved in the production of “Magnum Opus” but attended the show, Mr. Kim said, “I realized how important Dance Company was to a lot of girls and still is.”
“Magnum Opus” was a diverse and complex performance that made alumni and dancers proud. Senior captain Rachel Graham said, “I’ve learned from Dance Company that things don’t just come to you with luck. If you want something you have to work for it.”
A main goal of the Dance Company at Walpole High is to expose the beauty of art in a community where sports are highly valued. “Art in general takes what you already know or what you think you know and changes it,” said Mr. Kim.
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