On Friday, November 15, the Ayala dance program had their Fall Dance Concert, “Elements,” in the Multi-purpose room where performances revolved around the earth elements. The concert showcased dancers ranging from three different levels—intermediate, advanced, and Ayala Dance Production (ADP)—and their months of dedication to the art form. 

The concert opened with ADP’s “Divas” followed by Advanced Dance’s “Earth Song” and a solo performance by Danika Thakkar (11) “Lost Without You.” Student choreography was then showcased through “Earth’s Love” and “Everest.” 

“This fall dance concert was absolutely amazing,” Angelina Chen (12) said. “The dancers performed energetically on stage, filling the audience with joy.”

Student choreography has always been an integral part of the Ayala Dance Program, giving students the opportunity to explore their creativity and work together with peers to create beautiful, meaningful pieces. 

“Besides guest choreography, student choreography is what ADP relies on,” ADP dancer Maiah Torres (12) said. 

The concert continued with Intermediate Dance performing an upbeat piece, “Proud Mary.” Act one concluded with more student choreography, “Set Fire to the Rain” choreographed by Marley Rivera (11) and Mason Stevens (11), “Stick Season” by Peyton Martinez (10) and Taylor Martinez, “Friendly Fire” by Ariana Arispe, Madison Bishop (12), Maryam Eldereiny (10), Savanah Garcia, and Alexis Marchesi (12), “Dancing on Water” by Emma Fox (11), “Flowing Tides” by Honey Beimer (12) and Kaelyn Munemitsu (11), “Angels of Ecology” by David Cao (11), Kelly Gao (12), and Xiaoxuan Huang (11), and “Purple Rain” by Rivera and Stevens.

During the intermission, audience members were encouraged to buy raffle tickets for various themed baskets in order to support the dance program. The funds go towards important opportunities for dancers, such as Disneyland trips. 

“Heartfelt donations given by our friends and family go towards our entire season. From new costumes to getting to perform at Disney,” Torres said. “The money goes toward many new opportunities and general funds that are spread throughout the year.”

Following the break, Act two began with a powerful contemporary dance from ADP. Next, dancers performed a duet “Truth in the Air” and a trio “Gotta Get Away.” Ayala dance concerts are always filled with an array of dance styles ranging from contemporary to hip hop to even southern style pieces; this not only offers students the experience of learning various types of dances, but also educates spectators on the endless ways one can express themselves in the art. 

To finish out the act, Stevens performed his solo “Silhouette” and group dances “Rolling in the Deep,” “Don’t Take Our Fire,” “Up in Flames,” Clouds,” “Echoes of the River,” and “River Deep” followed. The dance concert concluded with large group dances from both Advanced Dance, “Throwback,” and ADP, “Tokyo.”

Throughout the concert, the atmosphere was electric with family, friends, and teachers supporting the passion and hard work of the dancers. Some dancers have been preparing for the performance since the end of last school year and the summer. 

“We prepared for the concert with tons of practice in class and rehearsals after school,” Gao, an advanced dancer said. 

Although their performance just ended, preparations for the next one will begin shortly for dancers. The next dance concert, which will also be the last performance for the seniors in the dance program, will be in the springtime. 

“I absolutely love performing at dance concerts because I get the opportunity to be myself on stage, alongside some of my bestest friends,” Torres said. “Dancing is something I really enjoy and am proud of.”