The Harvard-Westlake Upper School dancers performed in a studio showcase presenting their ability to dance. Taking place on May 2, they performed a variety of of dance genres: tap, modern, contemporary, jazz, lyrical and so many more. The audience had a low-key environment, as some people sat in chairs and others on the studio floor.
Many of the dancers performed solos expressing themselves. Students chose to work together in a duet to create a greater impact.
One of my favorite dances was when two boys in bright gold jackets performed a jazz dance. Their names were Fernando Diaz-Ojeda ’20 and Daniel Ariaza ’19. They had exceptional facial expressions and kept their energy throughout the entire piece. The quality of this performance made the audience want to keep watching. Their dance moves were super impactful, fun, and energetic. I could totally see them on Broadway!
Another impressive dance was when one dancer named Osi Holt ’20 danced without music to accompany him. The only sounds that accompanied him while he danced were the ones he made by dancing, and it was moving because he was dancing about what he wants the world to see him as and what he wants to see himself as. This was a unique and impressive dance that many people enjoyed.
Most of the pieces were performed by the classes Advanced Dance 1 and Advanced Dance 2. In a few dances, the students from both classes came together. At the end of the performances, the high-school seniors received a ceremony wherein Cynthia. Winter, the upper school dance teacher, gave each of them a rose and a plaque to commemorate the effort they had put in for all of their years dancing at Harvard-Westlake.
This dance show gave an insight into the Harvard-Westlake Upper School dance program. Everyone got to show off their talent and be true to themselves. Each dance was so different from the others, and the dancers each shared an inner piece of themselves on the studio floor.
I would recommend seeing this spectacular showcase next year so you can experience the dancers’ remarkable journeys with them.
