On Friday, November 15, Tabor Academy’s dance team recital showcased the dancers’ dedication, talent, and collaboration. The spectacular pieces that were performed consisted of individual solos, duos, smaller group dances, and a group piece with every member of the team. You might not know that the program is heavily student-influenced: students choreograph their pieces, cut their music, choose costumes, and more. As the dance team captain, I will walk you through the substantial amount of time and work that goes into putting on a show you get to watch and enjoy.
As dancers, we must constantly aim to improve our dance technique and flexibility, so the first two weeks of the season are dedicated to providing everyone with a dance foundation. Our coach, Steven Vaughn, leads our training, which includes warm-ups, stretching, and new dance sequences. The dance team is an open co-curriculum; therefore, everyone, regardless of their dance level, is eligible to join the team. Because there are people of various levels in the program, Steve creates daily practices that are accessible to everyone. If you have ever been eager to try out dancing but are afraid to take that first step, do not worry because the dance team will ensure the training is accessible for you and you find your comfort.
New to the dance team this year, Jasmen Cardoso’26 said, “I found the dance team to be very welcoming and open. No matter your level, there are great dance leaders, so everyone feels comfortable doing what they want. It was fun!”
The next step in our preparation for the show is to decide and then assign the dances we will perform. Just as we have dancers with different levels of experience, we also have different dance styles. The dancers on the team participate in contemporary dance, hip-hop, ballet, k-pop, lyrical, and many more. Therefore, when it is time to decide which dances everyone wants to do, there are several dance styles to choose from. Each season, we aim to have a big contemporary and hip-hop group dance, as these two styles are most popular amongst the team. This season, Chloe Kim’25 and I choreographed those dances. Additionally, everyone can decide to do a solo, duo, or a small group.
Once we have decided on the dances everyone is doing, it is time to select the music. Music and dance are tightly intertwined, as the music can carry the message of the dance or accompany it with a majestic melody or a beat. Students select and cut the music themselves. For the group hip-hop piece, I always mix two different songs. That requires cutting the songs and then connecting them. Because the melodies often differ in beat and tempo, I often add a sound effect that creates a powerful and dramatic impact to ensure a seamless transition between songs.
The dance team has two months to choreograph the pieces presented at the recital. Most dance studios have at least six months to choreograph a new dance. Choreographing requires combining various dance moves, aligning them with music, and my least favorite, creating formations. To keep the dance dynamic, dancers must change positions, levels, and sides rather than remain in one spot. Choreographing a group dance of 17 people, I found it most challenging to come up with the formations because there are many changes and dynamic moves in hip-hop. Despite the challenges, seeing the finished result of the dance, I was incredibly proud of everyone for excellently executing the choreography.
Chloe Kim ’25 said, “The chorus section was the highlight of choreographing the contemporary dance. I was inspired by the vogue dance style, so it was super cool seeing something so new and different in one of my own dances. It was challenging to explain my vision to others, and I had to make adjustments so that the moves were plausible when more people were involved. Overall, doing this dance was really fun and I felt like I was able to push myself very creatively. A bonus was bringing one of my crazy lift idea to life!”
Isa Sacerdote’26 said, “Beginning the choreography process, I try to find a quiet space where I can be alone to improvise. As I play the song, I feel the moves through the melody and the tone of the music. Once I am done with improvisation, the moves that were memorable are added into my choreography, and they continuously build off each other.”
We also pick our own costumes.
“I got inspired by a show by USC Kaufman and the masks in the show by ‘Street Woman Fighter.’ I knew I wanted to do something similar,” said Chloe Kim.
For the hip-hop piece, I typically assign a color scheme and ask the dancers to bring the clothes they already have. This year, the color scheme was red.
Lighting is a crucial aspect of the show as it highlights and emphasizes each dancer on stage. Moreover, it adds a colorful background that showcases the emotion of each piece. We work with Mr. Babbitt and Aidan George ’25 to set up the lighting.
“Setting up the lights for the show is a very fun challenge,” said Aidan. “I focus on choosing colors and effects that not only match the choreography but also bring out the best in the dancers on stage.”
Mr. Babbitt added, “I’m so pumped that Tabor has gained such a dedicated dance team since I was a student, and we get to explore more of the performing arts!”
Katelyn Craig’25, co-captain of the dance team, said, “The dance show is one of my favorite parts of the whole school year. Just seeing everyone appreciate all the work you’ve put into something is really validating, and I’m so proud to be a part of such a supportive Tabor community.”
This team spirit was palpable during the recital. Members of the audience were not the only ones cheering and clapping for the dancers; the dancers backstage were cheering loudly and supporting their teammates.
The entire recital process highlights our close-knit, supportive, and collaborative community.
