As the stage lights brighten, Highland’s dance department members take their places on the stage. Their first dance, When I Grow Up, was performed by the entire Elevate dance company on April 22 and 23.
Pushing through stage fright and exhaustion, Dance I, Dance II, and Elevate work together to produce an unforgettable show with an even more unforgettable name: Fui, Sum, Ero.
The name of the show – meaning I was, I am, I will be – was a testament to the department’s willingness to learn and grow.
“It was a representation of becoming who you have been into who you will be throughout your time in high school,” Elevate publicity chair Sophie Hawkins-Marcus said.
The preparation for the show began in February. Elevate co-presidents Mira Dunn and Aliya Saunders as well as dance teacher Kelsey Condie began by dividing Elevate dancers into small groups as they began to choreograph group dances and solos.
“We had to do a lot of outside school practicing and early morning practicing,” Saunders said. “[Preparing for the performance] was mainly just making sure everyone was on the same page and getting our costumes prepped.”
After months of hard work and preparation, it all paid off. The dancers performed 24 total dances and finished off the show with a finale dance to Somebody to Love by Justin Bieber involving all participating dance groups.
As the dance season comes to a close, dancers reflect on the lessons learned, memories made, and friendships gained. Fui, Sum, Ero was just the cherry on top of a memorable year.
“All our hard work definitely pulled off,” Saunders said. “. . . I think it turned out really well.”
