After Hours showcases the stellar Advanced Dance team
Advanced dance team poses for final piece (Sophia Hughes, The Puma Prensa)
By Sophia Hughes, editor
The new theater lights go down and a spotlight shines on the MCs for the night, Justin Sullivan and Ricardo Bolanos open the show after a quick word from Mrs. Henry to silence phones. After welcoming the attendees they introduce the first dance: Frat Party, choreographed by Jill Ebner.
The dance show truly begins as the dancers emerge from backstage to deliver a hip hop style dance, to Beyonce’s upbeat pop song ‘Deja Vu’ from her album B’Day and Justin Timberlakes ‘Rock Your Body’ from his album Justified the dancers start the show off phenomenally, setting the mood high, which only carries throughout their performance.
After the MCs successfully stall for the dancers the curtains open to the stunning contemporary dance ‘Lost in a Dream’, to SHAED ‘Trampoline’ from the album Melt. Choreographer Sabrina Tristano features graceful movements accentuated by the light-flowing skirts. The show also features two dances performed by junior dancers who performed choreography from Brooklynn Hackett to ‘The Wisp Sings’, a single by Winter Aid.
‘Startender’ (feat. Offset & Tyga) by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, from the album Hoodie SZN plays as Roya Sariaslani, choreographer, leads the groups of dancers in a sassy and confident hip-hop dance. Elise Curtis ‘Dark Paradise’ by Lana del Rey from the album Born to Die is a heartfelt contemporary dance describing the lonely and sorrowful search for independence. Featuring solo dancer Abby Todhunter and is choreographed by Dannielle Maca. Todhunter showcases her ballet background through this stunning and epic contemporary style dance with the ‘Which Witch’ by Florence + The Machine from the album My Favorite Ghosts accompanying her.
Girls At Night's ‘Get It Out Me’ by Janet Jackson, from the album 20 Y.O. choreographed by Edyn Greenly emulates the giddy and excited feeling of going out with friends. Bring Me A Dream, choreographed by Abby Todhunter speaks to the feeling of never truly waking up from one's nightmares by utilizing the song ‘Mr. Sandman’ a single by SYML, and depicting the strange world of one's mind through a contemporary dance style. After a quick rendition of the original ‘Mr. Sandman’—by the Chordettes—from the MCs, the two presented Night Game featuring Destiny’s Child single from Maneater ‘Say My Name’ and choreographed by Abby Todhunter.
During the short intermission, the dance show sold snacks and flowers until the light flickered and attendees returned to their seats. As the audience settled into their seats choreographer Kira Melton utilized ‘City of Stars’ By Shin Giwon Piano, from the La La Land Music Jazz Instrumental Collection. Melton’s dance Mirrorball is the one tap dance within the show. The 70’s vibe blended with the tap dance style seamlessly to bring the audience back to a 70’s disco club. Choreographer Lauren Cregan’s contemporary dance ‘Sleepless’ emulates both the dance name and song—‘I’m Tired’ by Labyrinth & Zendaya from the show Euphoria— with slow and elegant movements and downcast faces to represent a desperate cry for peace as one struggles to rest.
‘We’re not finished’ hints towards the end of the show, with Choreographers and dancers Roya Sariaslani and Jill Ebner's songs ‘Party’ by Chris Brown, album Heartbreak on a Full Moon ‘Bounce Back’ and ‘Get Busy’ by Big Sean. Fear of Falling ‘Emotional Highs’ single by Vinnie Hacker (feat. Kenanbryon) choreographed by Chloe Johnson. Johnson tries to emulate the journey of one facing their greatest highs and lows in life. Choreographer Payton Hartley highlights the ‘Power in the Darkness’ by Astyria from the album From the Ashes. This dance is meant to showcase the power of revolution and escape from societal expectations.
Midnight, music from Destiny's Child Jumpin’. Jumpin’ from the album from The Writing’s on the Wall, ‘Oh Wow… Swerve’ By Dreamville & J. Cole and choreographed by Ashley Bryan.
Finally, the dance show ends with a jazzy class piece choreographed by Mrs. Henry herself and featuring the remastered version of ‘Fly Met to the Moon’ by Frank Sinatra (feat. Count Bassie and his Orchestra) in his album Nothing but the Best, as a possible homage to the coming Christmas season.
The dancers exit from the back of the theater to flowers, heartfelt greetings, and cheers.
