Highland Dance Company’s annual fall concert was another success this year. With a total of 13 dances, it gave many dancers the opportunity to shine in the Gym’s homemade stage on October 9.
Spinning into action, both Elevate and Dance Company were able to take the audience on a journey with thought-out choreography and expressive movements.
The concert’s theme was ‘Reverie,’ a synonym for daydream. The recital was able to cover so many stories in a short time that helped the audience understand the opinions and emotions of Dance Company and Elevate. They expressed through dance what reverie means to them.
Their costumes were bright and colorful. Their dance moves showed off the hard work they’ve accomplished after only two and a half months of the school year. Their rainbow assortment of costumes covered neon orange tops, velvet dresses, and green jerseys.
Each costume was specifically designed to help carry the purpose of their dances even farther than the choreography. A visual expression of what the main theme of each dance was. With baggy pants and dunks for hip hop pieces, and flowy dresses and skirts for modern dances.
The different dances presented were able to showcase their experimentation with timing in the music and movement. Many dances were syncopated, and the movement and music had matching moods.
Another incredible talent presented was their usage of space. Within their opening dance, ‘Covergirl,’ Dance Company showed the audience that this was their turf, and they ran the show.
Gemma Leonard is the Dance Company President. Her passion and skills for dance show through as she gives her soul to each kick and lift.
“My favorite dance was Cover girl. We were able to bring in an amazing choreographer named Malece Miller. She was such a joy to be around.” Leonard said, “We just had fun with that dance, and we were so excited to show it to everyone.”
Malece Miller competed on So You Think You Can Dance, was in the Teen Beach Movie, and is currently touring with Simone Biles. Many of the dancers loved having a guest choreographer come in.
The dancers came in with confidence and were not backing down. In this opening piece, one choreographed part had them separated into two large groups. They then continued to walk in different directions and used the entire stage.
Their ripple effects kept the audience mesmerized as they watched the movements echoing across the stage. This was demonstrated in many different dances and was well executed.
Samantha Burbidge is a junior on Highland Dance Company and has deeply appreciated what she has learned and built with these girls.
“My favorite part about HDC are the people and the energy we have together and the smiles we share on stage,” Burbidge said, “It’s just so fun! especially the group dances.”
Their greatest accomplishment of tonight was the connection that they shared. As a dance team they were unified and appeared to the audience as sisters. They were driven by the same motivation—to do their best for each other.
