As the lights are dimmed, the backdrop changes, and the music starts to play, the only way to communicate on a performance stage becomes through the body. Whether it’s Irish step, ballet, or hip hop, all the performers at this year’s annual Dance Revue shared the same goal of self-expression. Students walked away from a successful show that represented an entire year’s worth of practice, preparation, and self-improvement.
A major part of the Dance Revue was the preparation leading up to it. While the three day span of performances was an opportunity to showcase the entire year’s worth of work, it was also a challenge for many to balance preparing for performances with academics.
“Resting up and practicing when necessary, reflecting on the night before, and also just running things over backstage in my head helped me to keep calm,” remarked Chloe Song ’28, a freshman in the LC Dance Company. While it was undoubtedly a challenge for Chloe, her love for dance, which began from a young age, helped to keep her going.
Additionally, by trusting herself and appreciating all the parts of the performance, such as the crowd or the company’s final performance of the year, Kill the Lights, Chloe was able to balance her busy schedule while still walking away with positive takeaways.
Similarly, Kaylee Wang ’28, despite having danced since she was three, found balancing school life with preparation difficult.
“Yes, it was challenging. I’ve always been a procrastinator, so balancing schoolwork and extra-curricular activities this week has been extra stressful. I often wouldn’t get home until late since I’m a day student, so finding time for myself was often difficult.”
As the Dance Revue presented an array of dancing styles, audience members learned more about all sorts of different cultures around the world. From the Spanish Flamenco to Chinese fan dance, beginners and experienced dancers alike provided audience members with a breadth of performances.
Balian Buttimer ’28, a world champion in Irish step, shared that the Dance Revue presented an opportunity for him to share his talents with the Loomis community while still being able to work on it outside of school.
“It allowed me to see the many different sides of dance…something that I wouldn’t have been able to do without the Dance Revue”
Aster Conway-Reppert ’26, a captain of the Step Team and a dancer of the hip hop group, walked away learning to be more flexible in her own leadership. “Seeing people perform things they loved was really inspiring!!”
There were many joyous takeaways for a lot of the participants, but the Dance Revue also marked a bittersweet ending for many seniors.
Penelope Struthers ’25, a senior leader of the Dance Company, reflected upon her past four years of working with many different talented individuals and how they’ve improved.
“You always want to be in the moment. So I think having it be my final three performances on the island, I really just wanted to be grounded on stage to take deep breaths before every time I stepped onto it.”
As different dancers end their year with a successful show, Penelope leaves with a takeaway applicable to all aspects of her life.
“It taught me a lesson in life, just to be grateful…you never know when it’s going to be your last one, and then it is. You don’t want to regret anything!”
