DANCE

 ​​In 10th grade I decided to try my hand at the tap routine in Singing in The Rain with my two good friends for one of our Cabaret’s. We left everything out on that stage, and received a standing ovation, bringing something that no one had seen before at my school.  Though we had to work extremely hard to take on this new skill, it was extremely rewarding and I had the most amazing time learning alongside friends. After our production, I decided to continue taking tap classes with my dad, learning alongside him while he retaught himself a childhood skill. Tap class quickly became an opportunity to bond with my dad and push myself and deepen my curiosity for something I love: dance. Although it is extremely challenging, tap has become something I am passionate about and want to continue throughout my life, teaching me to continue to try new things and expand my horizons.

Coming out of the pandemic my passions and talents for theater felt as isolated as I had been. Yearning to perform for someone other than my bedroom wall, my friends and I had the idea to create  student-run Cabaret—which we would direct, produce and choreograph ourselves,— including musical songs from shows past and present. It was the perfect opportunity to show off all of our individual talents, while spending time in a creative community. The show was a smash hit and we have continued its annual production since.

As the director and choreographer, following my passion to lead, I made sure that everyone felt included and had their moment to shine, especially when it came to picking the numbers we’d perform. Without a teacher to guide us, we fostered our own collaborative environment, understanding that each of us had our own leadership role to play. We all banded together to plan and choose what numbers we wanted to do and be a part of, dedicating some to solos, duets and group numbers.

We have continued Cabaret each year, and now, the grade below them is putting on their own, continuing the legacy and the changes I hoped to bring to the theater department for the better.

Each year during Spirit Week, each grade performs a highly-anticipated work of student choreography in front of the whole school. It is my favorite week of the year. As someone who loves to choreograph, dance, and direct, I stepped up as Spirit Week Captain for my grade, alongside my friend, Sasha who helped me plan and create the mixtape. Spirit Week is my olympics and I spend months preparing for it.

In 10th grade, I first embarked on this journey choreographing a dance medley to a mash-up of Beyoncé, Soulja Boy, and “Top Gun.” When I began to teach, I brought a megaphone to rehearsals, urging everyone — loudly but politely — to pay attention. I sensed when people needed breaks, shouted out compliments to individuals, and encouraged everyone to support each other. By week’s end, I’d united our grade’s warring factions into one army of Marlborough Mustangs (our theme).

After winning that year, I continued to lead the next, with our theme of Cooking inspired by the Bear. After winning again that year, I cannot wait and hope to continue our streak for Senior year. That day inspired me to run for class arts rep, advocating on behalf of my grade — and eventually, the entire student body — for greater emphasis on the arts in my school.