As music blared through the speakers, dancers with dazzling outfits set the stage on the evening of Friday, May 3, as Dance Haven performed their free-admission spring showcase.
Each semester, the student-run club presents a series of dances at the George H. Slick Auditorium at the high school.
“[Dance Haven] brings a lot of different people together, including all sorts of different styles and levels of dancing,” senior Dance Haven President Claire Ross said.
Dance Haven is also a platform for people to venture into the world of dance.
“If [people] want to get back into dancing or want to meet new people, Dance Haven is the best way to do it,” senior choreographer Riley McLaughlin said.
The club-based dance group fosters the art of dance while still providing a space to learn and grow as dancers.
“I like learning the dances, choreographing dances, and just making people happy,” McLaughlin said. “Many people tell me it’s one of their favorite events to come to.”
The preparation for presenting a showcase begins at the beginning of each semester.
“A Google form is sent out and people fill it out with how many dances they want to be in, what styles and other information,” senior Dance Haven President Jaina Livingstone said.
After the forms are filled out, dancers are placed into groups based on their dancing preferences and who they want to choreograph.
“Each group then meets individually each week leading up to the show to choreograph and teach their piece,” Livingstone said.
During the week of the showcase, two dress rehearsals are held to work out the show’s logistics.
“We would stay way past three o’clock just rehearsing, setting lights, sound and everything else,” Livingstone said.
For each of the 21 acts, choreographers create dances from a selection of music.
“It’s a very visual process,” Ross said. “You really have to be creative and take a moment to think about what you want to do.”
Though the success of Dance Haven didn’t come without its difficulties, especially coordinating rehearsals to match everyone’s schedule.
“We have limited time and space to rehearse,” Livingstone said. “Everyone handles the schedule with such grace and talent, and it’s really impressive.”
After weeks of planning and coordination, Dance Haven was ready to perform to friends and family.
“I think it’s just a really fun atmosphere,” Livingstone said. “Everyone who’s here wants to be here because admission is free.”
Dance Haven also serves as an opportunity to represent dance.
“There’s not really a lot of other opportunities besides the musical, which is a huge time commitment for a lot of people,” Ross said. “People can be a part of dance at their school and showcase it to the community.”
