As dancers slide across the stage in synchronization, the audience sees a performance under bright lights with detailed costumes and makeup. But here’s what happens behind the curtains.

Archer’s annual Night of Dance performance will be held at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, located in Santa Monica, March 13-15. Every year, the senior class selects a theme for the show. This year’s theme is “Radiance,” and each dance is titled after gemstones and crystals, according to dancers.

Before opening night, members of the production go through a two week tech process that leads up to the performances. During these days, dancers rehearse dances, costume designers fit costumes and the light crew adjusts the lights. The first week of tech took place on campus the week of March 2, and the second week will take place at the stage starting Tuesday, March 10. 

The artistic director of Night of Dance is dance teacher Andrea Locke, and the dance program consists of members of the dance leadership team and middle and high school students. Selam Habtu (’28) has been performing in Archer’s Night of Dance for the past four years. Habtu said many often overlook the effort from all of the dancers and crew members.

“There’s a lot of effort that all the dancers put in, especially Ms. Locke and the head captains and everyone who is on the dance leadership team,” Habtu said. “Most people don’t know how much time it takes and the amount of extra work that they put into the production.”

 Junior Gaia Bhavsar has been the backstage manager for Night of Dance for two years. Bhavsar emphasized the importance of the crew in large productions, such as the Night of Dance.

“The main job of being on crew is keeping everyone in order,” Bhavsar said. “There are a lot of different dances, and people have the tendency to talk, so you have to keep people quiet backstage.”

In addition to managing dancers backstage, student leaders also help coordinate the many moving parts of the production. From organizing rehearsal schedules to keeping transitions between dances on time, student leadership ensures the show runs smoothly. Dancer Rowan Schwarz (‘28) reflected on the importance of the tech crew.

“For the employees who help run Night of Dance, it requires a lot of student coordination and intervention,” Schwarz said. “This keeps everyone on track and staying on time.”

For seniors, Night of Dance represents the culmination of years spent rehearsing, performing and working with fellow dancers and crew members.

Along with preparing for her final performance, senior Ava McQuade recognized the dedication required from the entire production team during tech week. McQuade said the experience becomes especially meaningful during the final performances.

“Dance is such a great time, especially for seniors to bond and enjoy our last moments on stage together,” McQuade said, “but it’s so important for us to keep the show neat and organized, and that’s why everyone on tech is so hardworking and patient.”