Boisterous, blasting music is drowned out by overwhelming, rambunctious applause in the darkened Multi Purpose Room (MPR), as friends and family of Ayala Dance focus their attention on the glowing stage. From Thursday, April 23, to Saturday, April 25, Ayala Dance Production (ADP) lit up the stage with dazzling performances from the Spring Dance Concert with the theme “Lights, Camera, Action!” Over two hundred students enthusiastically participated in the event, which included three periods of Beginning Dance, Intermediate Dance, Advanced Dance, and ADP.
The success of the event was possible because of the hard work the dancers had been putting into the show weeks before the run time. Their sacrifice after school during rehearsal not only strengthened their dances, but forged friendships between the dancers during the long hours of practice. Many dancers were delighted that the dance program created the essential circumstances for students to interact outside of a learning environment.
“It is so important for Ayala to have these spaces where students can get close to each other and foster these connections because without them our student body would be unable to be all together and feel unified,” Nayeli Escobar, a senior in their third year of dance, said.
The concert also boosts student leadership from several groups of dancers who take the lead. From choreographing the numbers, organizing costumes, creating an exciting environment, and leading the classes, all of these opportunities allow students to boldly showcase who they are.
“I admire how [students] are able to put themselves out there and be themselves,” Cayo Widjaja (10) said. “They are all dedicated to this program and want to showcase their skills, and that takes a lot of courage to go out there and perform.”
This year, the unique theme the concert adopted made it even more entertaining and engaging for the audience. Song choices ranged from pop music by Lady Gaga to Beyonce to slow classics like “Puppy Love” and “The Way You Look Tonight” to Broadway ballads such as “Friend Like Me” and “Finest Suit.” The creative choices aimed to redefine ideas of fame and style.
“I like the pop vibe of the theme Lights, Camera, Action,” Hayul Lee, a sophomore intermediate dancer, said. “The dance numbers felt more dramatic, flashy, and jazzy, leaning into that Hollywood feeling.”
The highlight of the show for many was the wide variety of brilliant costumes displayed. Each piece of fabric was meant to tell its own story, unifying entire classes together in a dance to successfully convey a story.
“These costumes show who we are, what song we are embodying, and it brings out your fashion,” Lee said. “When you come to a dance concert, you are donating so we can wear these costumes, making the performance better for the future so the dance program can continue to flourish.”
The period of time around Spring Dance Concert is always filled with pleasure and enjoyment. It is a perfect example of what is so enticing about Ayala’s Dance Program. Every smile, laugh, and hug during the performances was a treasured memory for all involved.
“I would encourage people to join dance because it really gets you involved, and allows you to meet new people at school,” Escobar said. “It provides an opportunity for you to create bonds and have a deeper connection with others at Ayala.”
