Dance Troupe, Company prepare for annual show, reflect on theme

By Gracie Marx, Staff Writer|October 23, 2017

Photo credit: Cybele Zhang

Kelsey Thompson ’20 holds a releve during a ballet class. Dancers were preparing for the annual Night of Dance, which takes place in February.

As October rolled around at the Archer School for Girls, dancers were already working in the Dance Studio as they prepare for this year’s annual Night of Dance.  This year’s show,“Illumination,” is themed around children’s fable, “The Little Prince.”

“The Little Prince” is about a boy who lives on an asteroid and journeys to other planets and asteroids. According to the dancers, this year’s theme is beneficial because it gives the show structure and a common storyline.

“We wanted a through line throughout the whole story. I think “The Little Prince” is specific but also very broad,” Sophie Goldberg ‘18, Head Dance Captain, said. “You can take it in different directions with thinking of imagination and different forms of creation.”

Jael Ellman ‘18 has participated in the annual production since seventh grade, witnessing a wide range of themes. 

“I think following the story is great,” Ellman said. “I think it gives more structure to the show which helps the audience follow it.”

Dance teacher Andrea Locke selected the theme because it discusses social problems in today’s world.

“Even though it’s not a linear story, the concepts and the ideas of illuminating what’s unseen… is most important,” Locke said. “It’s the idea of illuminating the darkness and ignorance that exists in the world.”

Locke also noted that this year’s show will be the first with a full set.

“Our set is going to be a planet with steps going up and a platform on top, pushed to the back, so we have space in the front,” Locke said.

Photo by Cybele Zhang
Ella Tollman ’19 stretches before a ballet class. Dancers in “Illumination” come from all grade levels.

Locke and the dancers are all looking forward to the show.

“I look forward to the joy and empowerment that the dancers feel in the belief in themselves after they accomplish something that they never thought they could do,” Locke said

Goldberg’s favorite part of the dance program is the community and camaraderie it provides.

“I love the community and how it brings different grades together,” Goldberg said. “I’m dancing with 7th graders that I wouldn’t know without doing dance troupe.”

This year’s show will take place Feb. 24 and 25 at American Jewish University.