BY TULLAH MCCOLL
Every year for almost five decades, the Carmel High School Dance department, run by teacher Kristine Tarozzi for the last 30 years, works to put on the spring dance show, with this year’s theme demonstrating “Waves of Emotion.”
“I want them to do what’s going to inspire them,” shares Tarozzi. “I look at the dances and see if anything comes to the surface.”
Choreographers in all upper-level classes bring in individual concepts for their piece, but there is usually a prevailing theme. The spring show features three “capstone” pieces, a Dance IV Honors assignment to choreograph a 6- to 10-minute dance with a specific concept, following music guidelines, which they direct instead of perform.
The group finale is a powerful piece worked on and performed by all dance students. Courtesy of VIOLET FREW
“I’m really excited to watch my capstone be performed,” shares Honors dancer and senior Ella Gaily. “While choreographing a ten-minute dance is a lot of work, it’s been a really rewarding experience.”
All the classes start preparing for this semester, deciding on genres and styles for each dance, before winter break. The first two weeks back are dedicated to choreographing the whole group finale with help from a guest teacher, often a former CHS dancer, and everyone auditions.
“Working on the dance show has been a mix of stressful, exciting, and enjoyable,” shares Maia Messiah, a freshman and Dance I student.
After auditions, each dance is practiced once a week during a seven-week schedule, followed by a dress rehearsal week, where the dances are rehearsed in the theater for the first time. Choreographers are required to create their own lighting cues, which Tarozzi explains as a learning experience for many of her students.
“It’s fun seeing something you’ve made with the lights–and the costumes–come to life,” says Sydney Leighton, a junior and Dance IV Honors student.
Sophomore Chelsea Weaver pirouettes across the stage during the last dance show. Courtesy of DALE DEPALATIS
Dancers go on to perform different pieces from the show for Carmel Middle School, Tularcitos Elementary School, River Elementary School and Carmelo Child Development Center to rehearse in front of different audiences and involve a larger part of the community.
“When the actual show happens, I see pure joy in high school kids, which you don’t see that often,” explains Tarozzi. “To see them get super excited about something is so much fun–it’s my favorite part.”
Although performing is obviously a big part of dancing, Tarozzi hopes that her students take away greater lessons as well, like what she calls the “Five C’s”: collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking and confidence.
“This program is really special because of Tarozzi’s extensive knowledge in dance,” shares Lily Biggs, a junior and Dance IV Honors student. “It is a really great opportunity to learn and teach actual technique, while being able to collaborate with other dancers.”
While dancers have varying skill levels, the entire department strives to be inclusive and welcoming to all.
Freshman Audrey Norbraten and sophomore Colette Dampier (from left) synchronize in performance for the 2024 fall dance show. Courtesy of DALE DEPALATIS
“It’s nice that people see a different aspect of me when I am performing,” shares Leighton. “It’s different from me in my day-to-day life.”
Although put on by high school students, the dance show is designed to engage everyone through varying music and styles.
“Supporting the arts is important, and we hope our hard work can entertain the audience,” says Biggs.
The “Waves of Emotion” show will take place in the CHS performing arts center on Thursday and Friday, May 15 and 16, from 7-9 p.m.
