Ten of San Marino High School’s Top Dancers Will Perform Their Own Creations Jan. 21
Dance is an expression of self, and 10 very special “selves” will display their personal passion and creativity on Thursday, Jan. 21 in the Neher Auditorium for the San Marino High School Dance Company’s annual ‘A Night of Choreography.’
It’s difficult to believe that an event so beloved actually started out as…a final exam!
“After our fall show I used to give an individual choreography assignment as a semester exam,” Dance Director Bonnie Hanson explains. “The students actually really enjoyed the experience. I started inviting the parents and we had an excellent showing. So I opened it up to everyone.
‘A Night of Choreography’ features the work of 10 students, each of whom is in or has completed two years of Dance Company, performing their own self-choreographed routines. Their performances are often borne of intensely personal experience.
Junior Alexis French will perform to ‘Make It to Me,’ by Sam Smith.
“I tried to pick a song I could relate to,” Alexis said. “I am juggling so many things right now and have high expectations for myself.”
Victoria Castreje, a senior, will dance to a happy tune.
“I will be turning 18 the night of the show,” the always cheery Castreje exclaimed with an extra dose of cheer. “This is my first real solo, it is very celebratory.” Victoria will dance to Pham’s ‘Two Movements.’
Senior Maddie Louderback selected a lyrical piece, ‘Never Gonna Let You Down,’ by Colby Caillat.
“It’s cute,” Maddie said. “I hope it represents my personality.”
Anita Wang blushed slightly when explaining that she will dance to a song entitled ‘We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off.’
“It’s a really emotional, sad, song,” the senior said. “I find that type of music easiest to choreograph.”
Junior Danielle Drake chose ‘Perfect,’ by Hedely.
“I really like the song and in some way relate it to my life,” Danielle said. “It’s about achieving pefection. I chose a song to tell myself I’m not perfect.”
Her performance might tell a different tale.
Kristy Tatsuno said the song she will dance to – a cover of ‘Hotline Bling,’ by Kiana – chose her.
“The first time I heard it, I fell in love with the song,” said Kristy, a senior. “I started to listen to it and the choreography just flowed.”
Senior Dutonne Chong loves ‘You’ve Got the Love,’ by Florence and the Machine.
“I like the beats and it tells a story,” said Dutonne, who was one of the key components of last year’s ‘Philia.’
Senior Audrey Wilson will dance to ‘Breathe Me,’ by recording artist Sia.
“The song really related to some personal experiences I was going through.” She said. “I really like it.”
Tiffany Chang claims there are no ulterior basketball motives behind her choice of ‘Cavalier,’ by James Vincent McMorrow.
“I think it represents my style,” Tiffany, a senior, said. “Which is contemporary.”
Senior Justine Hou will perform to ‘Miss America,’ a hit by Lei Keli 47.
“I like the beat,” Justine explained. “It’s really upbeat and hard-hitting. A great song for hip-hop.”
The show might even hold a sneak peek into ‘Dancetra,’ a welcome side effect, according to Hanson.
‘A Night of Choreography,’ an evening of student-choreographed solo performances by 10 members of the San Marino High School Dance Company, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 21 in the Neher Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. The event is free, and open to the public.
