The show is composed of ten songs ranging from an opera rendition- “Belissma”- to a mash up of original songs from the 1960’s-“The Summer of ‘67”. Each song has a separate meaning and a hidden message within each move, note, and emotion that the audience can decode as they watch the dance unfold. The main theme of each dance is to identify the essence of whatever emotion the song portrays and expand on that particular feeling. The dance “Summer of ‘67” encompasses the hippie movement and includes a number of songs such as “Let the Sunshine In” and “The Sound of Silence” that represent the rebellion, peace, and love that define the hippie movement.
Each girl participates in at least two numbers, which the whole company dances in, and a performer can be in up to eight out of the ten dances. Mr. Kim expects the dancers to practice on their own time, know the choreography, and improve their technique. Mr. Kim said, “I know that my standards are very high. I have to be firm and very honest with the girls’ abilities. If I don’t give them as much information as I can they are not going to get on the same page as everyone else.”
With company rehearsal ranging from two hours to four hours a week and an occasional six hour practice on a Saturday, the Dance Company works hard to perfect their dances to the best of their ability. Each of the non-company numbers is learned throughout the season on top of the main dances, which can be a great hurdle to leap over when those specific dances are learned in only one weekend. Although Mr. Kim choreographs most of the dances, student choreographers- senior Laura Barajas; juniors Erin Strickland, Casey Ricci, and Mary Caddick; as well as sophomore Caitlin Conlon- help Mr. Kim with some parts of the dances. Ricci said, “I like being a choreographer. It’s fun to help out the dance company and see other girls dancing your very own choreography in the show.” One of the numbers in particular known as “With or Without you” is all choreographed by students with only the staging done by Mr. Kim.
There are a wide variety of props this year that the dancers will utilize to create a more interesting and interactive performance. However, many of the props are kept a secret and will be revealed at the show later this year. Although the Dance Company is a relatively young club, its shows have made a big bang throughout the school and have been very well attended. This year, the Dance Company hopes to keep the same high standard and wow the audience with their quirky and meaningful dances just as the girls have done in previous years.
