Determined to Dance

By: Jordan-Taylor Wentworth

     Determined to make their final dance performance their best, senior Dance Production members danced on the Red Mountain stage for the very last time in the Spring Dance Concert, themed “Determination,” on Apr. 25-26. There was a dance contributing to this year’s yearbook theme, Silver Lining where intermediate dancers performed to a mash up of songs from 25 years ago to celebrate Red Mountain’s anniversary. Some of the songs included were My Prerogative by Bobby Brown, Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson and Straight Up by Paula Abdul. As a tribute to the senior dancers, there was a senior dance and photo slideshow of the seniors during the concert. While some dancers will continue dancing in college, for others this was their last performance of their dance careers.

     “Moving on and getting started with my career is definitely going to interfere with my everyday dancing, although I do plan to teach dance classes or take classes while in college,” said senior and Dance Production member, Taylor Samaniego.                                                                                                                                                                  

     Most of these girls have been involved in dance since they took their very first steps. They have spent their lives competing and practicing each week and on the weekends. For the few that are graduating and leaving dance behind, this performance was emotional.

     “Dance is the only thing I know, and I plan to make it my lifetime career, whether it be teaching, performing professionally or running a dance studio,” said Bethany Nelson, senior and Dance Production member.                

     Being the highest level of dance, Dance Production had a majority of the dances in the concert. Preparing and choreographing pieces started right after the fall concert in November.

     “Dance production always grows technically from fall to spring, and this year was no exception with the great talent and teamwork these students have,” said dance teacher, Coach Fox.

     Every dance incorporated the “Determination” theme in one way or another. For example, determination may have to do with a dancer’s drive to succeed in dance, in a career or in all of life’s endeavors.

     “Our opening number is a concept we have never done before,” said Coach Fox. “I am not surprised that this group has come up with the idea because they exemplify what teamwork is all about.”