Photo credit: Avery Reynolds

Eighth grader Simone Alba rehearses her contemporary dance in the rose room. As a dancer, Alba loves practicing the art of dance as much as she can in all different ways. “I think dance is one of the most important things in my life,” Alba said, “just because it helps you so much with everything.”

When most are relaxing after a long school day, Simone Alba (’30) is busy stretching a new idea, pose or possibility. Whether she’s moving across the stage, dancing through words or grounding herself with peace, Alba said she approaches every part of her life with the same quiet determination.

Alba has danced since she was 3 years old. She is a member of the middle school dance company, Night of Dance program and dances at a studio called Fusion Studios outside of school. Alba said she is passionate about contemporary dance and rehearses multiple hours a day to improve her skills.

Last year, Alba was chosen to perform a solo for Night of Dance just a few days before the performance because the student who was supposed to perform the solo suddenly fell sick. Alba said she worked hard to perfect her piece and rehearsed with the help of some other dancers, including former Head Dance Captain Ella Dorfman (’25).

“At first, I was really shocked. As the realization came into my mind, I really just went into action mode,” Alba said. “I need to start planning. I need to get myself ready.”

Dance teacher Andrea Locke has taught Alba for over two years. She said Alba’s passion and commitment to dance are exhilarating and inspiring.  

“What stood out to me right away was … the fire and the passion that she had,” Locke said. “Connecting how she felt about movement—that was just authentic.” 

Alba isn’t just fascinated by dance; she also enjoys writing poems and doing yoga. She said she sees overlap in these activities, and they help her better understand the mindset of a dancer.

“I’m not an extremely flexible person,” Alba said. “Certain moves in dance, you don’t get it immediately — you have to train for hours. And so with yoga … I’m going to find my pace through it, and I’m going to focus more on the purpose of it, instead of just doing.”

Alba said she values poems and inner peace and said they are very important for her to have throughout her life. She said it is essential to have a moment of relaxation because it can be hard to find time for herself as a busy middle schooler.

“Whenever I get stressed, I go back to that peace state, and I’m like, ‘Okay, I’m here right now, and I’m going to try my best,’ but it’s also okay for your best to not be this extraordinary thing,” Alba said. 

Sofia Parsa (‘30) is a friend of Alba and participates in dance classes with her for Night of Dance. Parsa said Alba expresses a lot of affection through her dance that helps convey the story she is trying to tell. Her love for dance can be seen through the positive energy she brings to class, Parsa said. 

“She has a lot of emotion, and that carries forward into great dancing,” Parsa said. “Her facial expressions are really strong.” 

Alba shares so many thoughts and feelings just through moving her body that presents power and electricity, Locke said.

“There’s an energy that connects a performer to an audience that’s real and impactful,” Locke said. “She had that — she had everything it took to connect with the audience, humanity and heart and it was electrifying.”