Kaitlyn Richards ‘29
News Editor
On Friday April 10, 2026, at 7 p.m., the Holy Cross Dance Ensemble will host its annual Spring Showcase in the Luth Concert Hall at the Prior Performing Arts Center (PAC). The performance is entirely student-run, highlighting the talent, dedication, and creativity of the ensemble’s dancers, as well as the choreographers. Led by co-chairs Molly Hachey ‘26 and Kayla Bortlik ‘27, the Dance Ensemble operates as an artistic outlet for students on campus. From choreography, to production, students take on every aspect of the performance process with utmost dedication.
This year’s recital will feature nine distinct styles of dance: jazz, ballet, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, lyrical, Irish, musical theater, and tap. Additionally, the dance team will have featured pieces within the performance. Each piece choreographed for the show, reflects the individuality of its respective choreographer, contributing to the diversity of the overall organization. The variety of styles allows performances to choose which dances they wish to audition for, and for some, they perform completely new styles of dance, highlighting the artistic versatility of the dancers themselves.
Participation in the Dance Ensemble is selective, as every student must audition, earning their place in their respective style. The result is a performance that reflects the passion, discipline, and commitment of the dancers. In the weeks leading up to the final performance, each style rehearsed tirelessly every week, while dancers balanced their academic and additional co-curricular commitments.
The 2026 Spring Showcase will include twenty-nine dances, a number that holds a special significance for the graduating class. With twenty-nine dancers set to graduate in the upcoming spring, the performance serves as a celebration and farewell, honoring their contributions to the organization over their four years at Holy Cross. Many of the seniors have participated in countless performances with the ensemble, both as choreographers and dancers, allowing their precedence to shape the group into what it is today.
In addition to each style’s individual dance, each class year, freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior, will perform a group dance set to a piece of music and style of their choice. These class dances are one of the Dance Ensemble’s most beloved traditions, allowing classes to foster a sense of community, and express themselves creatively through dance.
“I have been a part of Dance Ensemble since my freshman year and it has truly been one of the most amazing experiences I have had at HC,” said senior co-chair Molly Hachey as she reminisced on her time with Dance Ensemble. “Through DE I have met some of my best friends and it has given me the opportunity to continue dancing and doing what I love every day. As graduating seniors, this last recital means the world to us, we have all become so close over the last four years and will miss dancing together and being part of such a special family that is DE,”
The recital will conclude with a final performance piece that brings together dancers of all class years in a montage-style performance, ending with all four grades dancing together in unity. The finale highlights the dedication of the dancers throughout the year, leaving the audience with a lasting impression, and marks the final bow for the Class of 2026. Tickets are available through myHC with student tickets priced at six dollars, and general admission priced at ten dollars. A reception follows the performance to celebrate the seniors in Hogan Campus Center 401.
Featured image courtesy of of Holy Cross Dance Ensemble’s Instagram
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