When many first think of a sport, dance can be overlooked, but the Dance Company and Hip-Hop hold an integral part of sports culture here at Loomis Chaffee. Under the instruction of the dance director, Ms. Kate Loughlin, and the guest hip-hop instructor, who goes by “Popkorn”, students are able to express themselves freely through their movements.

The LC Dance Company is currently working on a piece composed specifically for the company by Mr. Netta Hadari, who is the director of Loomis’s orchestra. When working on choreographing pieces, each member of the team contributes, creating the perfect blend of each dancer’s personal style.

“We work very collaboratively; I ask the dancers what they’re interested in, whether it’s a concept, vibe, or topic,” Ms. Kate explained. “We come to decisions very mutually, as a group.”

“Our team has members from diverse backgrounds, so the collaborative nature of the choreography process allows us to share our strengths with the whole company,” said Janet Wang ’28.

Ms. Kate then described the routine of each practice, and what each day with the Dance Company looks like. 

“We get there, warm up, then work on specific techniques, especially if they are included in the choreography we are working on,” she stated. “But we spend the bulk of our time in the creative process of making choreography.”

In Dance Company, a guest ballet teacher comes to Loomis to teach ballet, allowing the dancers to explore more in-depth different styles of dance in addition to what they already know. Beyond the company, Hip-Hop is also an after-school sport available for students, led by guest teacher Popkorn.

“During our practices, we learn the choreographies Popkorn makes, and perform [them] in front of each other,” Janet ’28 explained.

“We often work on different techniques,” Kaylee Wang ’28 added. “He works a lot with textures and layers in the music.”

When asked about the fun traditions of the dance company, many of the members had different opinions to share.

Jocelyn Valentin ’28 recounted, “When we’re prepping the stage and setting lights, and it goes dark, we say ‘thank you dark.’” This small act of gratitude shows how the dancers turn appreciation into an everyday tradition.

Ms. Kate explained that before shows close, they have a team cheer, which was created a couple of years back and has been passed down ever since. Also, after their last show closes, the whole team goes out to share a meal, celebrating their successes together.

Dance holds a special place in the Loomis community, allowing the team members to grow close together, becoming a family.

“My favorite part of the dance company is all the girls, and just getting to connect with them through movement,” Valentin ’28 said.

“I see the rest of the dance team as my own family, as my sisters,” Janet ’28 explained. “I find it amazing that we all come from different backgrounds, yet can come together as one through dance.”

Dance, whether it’s the dance company or hip hop, has the special ability to connect and bring people together.