The energy in Parker Auditorium was never-faltering as the curtain’s rose on this year’s Bolles Dance Concert. Not a seat went unfilled, and the night was set to be a celebration of movement, music, and the dedication of the school’s highly-talented dancers. Performances ranged from ballet to hip-hop, funk, and contemporary, creating a dynamic experience that left the audience mesmerized.
From the opening moment, it was clear that each dance had been carefully crafted. The ballet routine, performed by the stunning, pink ballerinas, transported the audience to another world through their graceful movements, poise, and precision. The background of flowers and meadows even further created the vision of a fairytale, with its soft pastel hues and dreamy lighting.
Following the ballet, the funk dances brought a retro energy that commanded attention from the crowd. With neon pink and orange costumes, and expressive performers, the dancers embodied the spirit of sassiness, soul, and skill. The contrast was striking – fast-paced movements and lifts and turns replaced the previously smooth transitions, creating a new lively tone for the audience. As the concert continued, the contemporary pieces blended technology with sudden movements, shifting the mood once again. With its futuristic ambience and flowing transitions, the dancers were truly able to capture the essence of electro-fusion dance.
One of the most beautiful dances was a duet highlighting the seniors, Anjali Gusani and Eva Lantzy. Dressed in white, they danced with emotion, instilling all the passion they could muster into one of their final performances at Bolles.
From the wardrobe to the backdrop, the dedication of not only the dancers, but the stage crew, teachers, and parents was undeniable. The stage crew went above and beyond to ensure the background would fit the mood, and Mr. Jenkins worked his magic to let the dancers shine. Practices for these dancers regularly run Mondays and Fridays, but the week prior to the concert, they worked strenuously from 3:45-7:00, guaranteeing their performance would be a success.
Members of the Bolles Dance Company shared the behind-the-scenes of this whole endeavor. Angelina Le ‘27 explained that planning for the concert was a huge commitment for her, as she had to balance her school work and other extracurriculars.
“Though it was difficult to show up feeling 100% for every practice, I was surrounded by a group of girls that gave their all to their love of dance, ultimately inspiring me to work my hardest,” she said.
Amaya Berrios ‘27, another company-dancer, shared “I truly felt that I had support; each time I looked into the crowd, I saw my best friends cheering their hearts out for me, and I really couldn’t ask for anything more.”
These dancers are essential to the arts program at our Bolles school. This concert not only illustrates the hard work these students put in, but also embodies the zeal and enthusiasm of pursuing their craft. As for the dancers, the concert was not limited to showcasing their skill, but also a journey of growth, pushing themselves to their limits and learning along the way.
The different dances created an engaging atmosphere, changing the feelings of the crowd along with the dance, and each left a lasting impression. To end the night, each dance section, from middle school to highschool, performed their own crafted outro, seamlessly marking the close to a wonderful night of talent. As the curtains closed, it was not only the performers that left feeling inspired by their dances, but every person privileged to witness them.
