The Spire

Kate Santini ‘27

News Editor

  

Family Weekend brought a myriad of exciting events to campus. Among them was the Dance Ensemble’s fall performance which took place on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Luth Concert Hall in the Prior Performing Arts Center (PAC). The Family Weekend show incorporated numerous styles of dance including tap, hip-hop, ballet, Irish step dancing, and more. The ensemble groups met weekly to practice and choreograph their dances in preparation for the show.

     All the dances were entirely choreographed by students. Iconic songs including “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac, “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls and “Swan Lake” by Tchailkovsky were featured. The finale was set to a lively medley of music from the summer blockbuster Barbie (2023). This moment was particularly notable because all members of the ensemble came together for the performance, dressed in various shades of pink as a tribute to the doll’s signature look.

     Ensemble member Danielle Ford ‘27 reflected on the night by saying, “one of my favorite dances to watch from that night had to be the Irish step dance! I loved each individual’s attention to detail and their remarkable movement abilities really shone throughout the performance.” 

     Students, parents and visitors were excited to support the Dance Ensemble and watch this performance. In fact, there was not an empty seat left in the Hall!

     Lexi Cantin ‘24, who has been an active member of the Dance Ensemble since her freshman year, was one of the many talented dancers involved. She expressed her satisfaction with the show by sharing that “everyone was so excited to get to perform in the PAC! I can’t believe we sold out the whole theater!” 

     Many members of the Dance Ensemble attest to the group’s tight-knit bond. Julia Wheeler ‘27 underscored the community aspect of the Ensemble. “I would say my experience [has been] very positive,” she says. “Everyone in the group is really supportive and kind to each other.”

     Wheeler continues expanding on this, remarking that her “favorite part of the dance community here is that everyone comes from different dancing backgrounds which makes working together so much more fun.” 

     Lexi Cantin ‘24 adds, “I have had so much fun through the years learning the dances and performing them with my friends.”

     If you are interested in joining this very lively and active group, do not hesitate to reach out to those involved or to directly contact the HC Dance Ensemble Instagram account (@hcdanceensemble). Judging by the excitement surrounding their fall show, it’s safe to say that there is an eager audience for their next performance! Just as Dua Lipa sings in the Barbie soundtrack, here at Holy Cross, we are more than happy to “dance the night away!”

Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross