Dance class hosts second annual performance “Expressions”

Aragon’s Dance department held its second-ever “Aragon Expressions” showcase for a packed auditorium on April 18. The performance was two hours of diverse dance displays from more than fifty different students, including Aragon’s Dance Team, as well as dancers from the still-budding dance elective classes.

The show included a variety of performances, from ballet numbers performed by a few older students to synchronized group choreography to loud, fast-paced beats. Aragon alumni were invited to create and teach choreography for the showcase, along with student-organized routines. Dance instructor Olivia Reidy oversaw the event; the 2018-2019 school year is her first year teaching with Aragon, and she teaches the dance elective classes.

“Ms. Reidy has taken over for Ms. Murphy and done a fantastic job with the classes — especially since we have two classes this year,” said assistant principal Ron Berggren.

Reidy’s overarching vision for “Expressions” was enjoyment.

“My goal for this show was basically just fun,” Reidy said. “I wanted it to be a lot of fun for the kids, and I also wanted it to be very student-centered. I wanted to make sure they got to do what they really love to do, because, in the end, their parents are coming, their friends are coming, and I want them to feel confident and the best they can be on stage.”

The students were tired after the show, but bursting with pride in front of their friends and family.

“Everyone rocked,” said sophomore Alex Bloom. “It’s so hard — so hard — to do this kind of stuff, but when it all comes together, it feels amazing. All the families and friends that come just go crazy, and it’s awesome.”

“I did maybe five choreographies in the show,” Reidy said. “The advanced students did mostly student choreography. We’ve spent maybe three or four months in class prepping for the show. We would learn different dances and polish them, making sure everyone’s the same on each move.”

Reidy believes the performance was a success and is proud of the performers.

“I think everyone did amazing on stage,” Reidy said. “They were super hyped-up, and they performed with the most passion that I’ve ever seen them dance with, and I’m very proud of them.”
Berggren agreed with Reidy about the show’s quality.

“This is the best student-attended [performance] event of the whole year”

“This is the best student-attended [performance] event of the whole year, [more than] musicals, drama, music programs — The most students show up to this event of any performance,” Berggren said. “It’s an opportunity for students to perform, and that’s the great thing about high schools … You can see your students in class, but you can also see them doing things that they have a passion for and that they love doing.”