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A Note from the Performing Arts Department “The body says what words cannot.” —Martha Graham I first came across this quote as a high school student in search of a senior quote. At the time, this particular prose struck me as lackluster because, well, isn’t this just the definition of body language? It popped up again in college, serving as an emblem on our dance attire. My dance journey was evolving and changing by the day and these words hit closer to home as I delved deeper into the world of kinesiology and dance genres. Recently, I went to see the Martha Graham Company in performance and again came across this statement. Now, as an educator who has guided her students and experienced the world these past two years under a great deal of stress alongside them, I feel this quote in my very being, as do these student dancers before you. I am beyond excited to share with you this evening’s concert. The students you see on stage tonight have worked through almost relentless unknowns and hiccups to get to this moment, while showing up for themselves and others and using movement as their vehicle forward. Proud is an understatement. Their continuous work to integrate, process, and take risks made this beautiful evening, one I absolutely cannot wait to share with you, possible. Please join me in congratulating their pronounced and elegantly articulated expression in our first big dance return to the stage since 2019 and in celebration of our 25 Years of Dance on the Dyker Campus! Ashley Hacker MS/US Dance, Debate & Drama Coordinator
Dance is a continuously evolving spectrum of interwoven themes, articulating languages, illusions, and inquisitive ideas, purposeful/abstract. Movement phrases based on inspirations transcribe into personal statements echoed between steps. It is the viewer’s evoked emotions that transcend the language of dance. We are all flies on a wall observing and reacting to our outside stimulus. The figure tries to gain your attention within the spotlight shone down to attract your focus. However, the detracting of your attention is deliberate, intended to shift the field of view, of your reality. It’s with great pleasure that I have had the opportunity to work with and choreograph these aspiring artists. I am encouraged by their focus and tenacity despite the global events that continue to affect our lives. I remain a firm foundation of support in providing a curated environment for exploration, self discoveries, and relinquishment. The result is evident in their culminating performances of each repertory dance composition. Art and dance nourish the soul and we, as humans, require some form of sustenance to survive, providing the energy we need to find our way. We become our art, forming a symbiotic bond, not yet a fallen petal, a relevant and equally important part of the illustrated shape and moving picture. I hope that the connections made through movement help attract communities toward the high human value of the arts within the dance spectrum. Samuel Turner Upper School Dance
Chased Music: White Man Sleeps II by Kevin Volans Choreographer: Samuel Turner US Advanced Dance Dancers: Madeline Doty* and Nina Harris
Atlas Music: Atlas by Livingston Choreographer: Ashley Hacker Grade 7, Fall Semester Dancers: Val Aberle, Neeka Aghazadeh, Nicolette Avdeychik, Jenesis Bartholomew, Caterina Cascella, Cate Goldschmid, Kailynn Hernandez, Lulu Kenney, Nili Maltzman, Lila Rice, Téa Sabbagh, Lester Shamos, Andrew Sion, Adelaide Swartz, Brianna Sylvain, Quin Truta, Raymond Xie After their work with the Gibney Dance Company through the “Hands Are for Holding” Program—a youth-centered workshop series that uses dance and movement to engage in conversation with young people about healthy relationships, bullying, equity, and choice in everyday interactions—students created solos using movements that conveyed deep personal meaning. Using these solos as inspiration, our choreographic creation was born.
Find Our Way Music: Find My Way by Heritage O.P. Choreographer: Samuel Turner US Dance Block A & C Dancers: Eva Aguilo, Genevieve Fitzpatrick, Stavroula Gabriel, Ryan Geisler, Hannah Goldberg, Margot Janicik, Rahima Libstag, Lulu McDonald, Myka Modeste, Mia Pineda, Sadie Schoenberger, Ali Schuman, Alice Shinder, Hannah Smith,* Zeke Wise, Wendy Zhou
Light Music: Light On by Maggie Rogers Choreographer: Ashley Hacker Grade 7, Spring Semester Dancers: Runa Bhandari, Celia Camara, Livy Chu, Shane Goldberg, Sam Harris, Ava Hedayatnia, Nate Herzog, Charles Jaffe, Felix James, Miro Kubica, Momo Mandelbaum-Quiroga, Sydney McFarlane, Uzochi Onunaku, Lauren Pauls, Soleil Peña, Tunmise Rasaq, Lucy Sullens
Hommage de Concerto Music: Double Concerto for two violins in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach Choreographer: Samuel Turner US Advanced Dance Dancers: Laila Baluk, Ceci Berkley, Anna Sophia Chamarro, Madeline Doty,* Nina Harris, Brianna Khrakovsky,* Sasha Lifton Lewis, Chloe Myrick-Ellis,* Adrianna Neal,* Gabby Perry,* Elena Piquet, Atiya Pope, Ella Lille Yerington A composition inspired by George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco. A neoclassical ballet that was made for his students at the School of American Ballet in 1941.
Together Music: Call on Me by Sam Feldt feat. Georgia Ku Choreographer: Ashley Hacker Young Dancers: Charlotte Arzouian, Holly Byrne, Lila Dubin, Grace King, Charlotte Langlais, Caitlin McGovern, Mia Pasquariello, Jax Powers Wojtowicz, Max Stein, Aviva Treister, Ana Clara Wisk
Blastoff Music: hit ‘em up style (oops!) by blu cantrell, blastoff by kairo and sha’ki, breathe by blu cantrell ft. sean paul Choreographers: Mia Edwards and Uma Sooran Advisors: Dr. Angela Gittens and Teyana Irving Epiphany (Step Team) Dancers: Annakaecia Clarke, Kaylee Cumbay, Jasmine Grant-Phillips, Jordan Millar, Madison Shepherd, Uma Sooran (Co-Captain)
I AM. human Music: Human by Sevdaliza Choreographer: Samuel Turner US Advanced Dance Dancers: Madeline Doty,* Nina Harris, Brianna Khrakovsky,* Chloe Myrick-Ellis,* Adrianna Neal,* Gabby Perry,* Atiya Pope
I N T E R M I S S I O N
Fallen Petals Music: Opening by Philip Glass Choreographer: Samuel Turner US Dance Block C & H Dancers: Hazel Budker, Sophia Cimmino,* Kaylee Cumbay, Ariana DiCarlo, Genevieve Fitzpatrick, Stavroula Gabriel, Ryan Geisler, Isabelle Gerling, Danielle Jason, Lorenza Jaramillo, Rahima Libstag, Carolina Mannino, Lulu McDonald, Sacha Mendelson, Mia Pineda, Sadie Schoenberger, Ali Schuman, Fiona Stephenson, Drew Waldman, Zeke Wise
Happy Now? Music: CWJBHN by Jake Scott and Josie Dunne Choreographers: Ashley Hacker and Dancers Tower Dancers: Alexandra Gerling, Peytin Metz, Carlyle Muldrow, Brianna Sylvain
Flies on the Wall Music: Brotsjór by Ólafur Arnalds Choreographer: Samuel Turner US Advanced Dance Dancers: Laila Baluk, Ceci Berkley, Anna Sophia Chamarro, Madeline Doty,* Nina Harris, Brianna Khrakovsky,* Sasha Lifton Lewis, Chloe Myrick-Ellis,* Adrianna Neal,* Gabby Perry,* Elena Piquet, Atiya Pope, Ella Lille Yerington Bearing witness to the truth, it is the unintended observer, the silent spectator, and the ignored viewer, never paid much attention, but ever the witness. Moving quietly through obscurity; a faint, flickering shadow in the bright light, occasionally buzzing past your ear as though seeking your attention, or to serve as a reminder of their presence. The reminder that no matter the veil of secrecy and shadows under which your actions are taken, or the presumed anonymity under which your words are spoken, your actions are witnessed and your words, heard. There always is, if only one singular witness, nonetheless. The witness of truth, of reality. In the midst of chaos and contradiction, truth and lies intermingled with the intent of obfuscation from reality. The figure tries to gain your attention within the spotlight shone down to attract your focus. However, the detracting of your attention is deliberate, intended to shift the field of view, of your reality. There are flies on the wall.
Esplanade Part 1, Reimagined Music: Bach Choreographer: Winston Dynamite Brown, in collaboration with the dancers Grade 8, Fall Semester Dancers: Emma Arden, Anna Brandmeyer, Maggie Cochran, Lila Daniels, Eden Golomb, Kiera Goodman, Piper Lipton, Michael Menegatos, Zoe Panzo, Ben Robb, Eliza Rorech, Sam Ryland, Maggie Sarcos, Jedi Scott, Will Shlomm, Juliet Smith Eighth grade students had the unique opportunity to learn from past Taylor 2 Dancer, Winston Dynamite Brown, who introduced them to the piece, Esplanade, by Paul Taylor. The original work is based on pedestrian movements and gestures that are both able to convey meaning and relationship through five separate sections. Fall Semester Dancers dance to the section one music of the original score and were inspired by the running, walking, and focus of the section to create. Spring Semester Dancers dance to a compilation of sections two, four, and five of the original score and were inspired by small groups and partnerships within those sections. We chose to show these two creations back-to-back as the original work intends, while also giving recognition to each semester’s process and final product. Special thanks to: Amanda Stevenson (Paul Taylor Dance Company) for helping us to set up this partnership and connection, Winston Dynamite Brown (The Dynamite Experience) for working so diligently and supporting our students for a total of 20 sessions, and Robert Aberlin (Poly Prep’s Director of Arts Outreach) for putting us in touch with the Paul Taylor Dance Company and funding this collaboration.
Esplanade Part 2/4/5, Reimagined Music: Bach Choreographer: Winston Dynamite Brown, in collaboration with the dancers Grade 8, Spring Semester Dancers: Bo Casey, AJ Collins, Sylvie Dorsch, Christopher Espinosa Perez Nunez, Alexandra Gerling, Noah Henry, Konatsu Iwai, Tessa Lawson, Carolina Lisk, Grace Moore, Rafaella Rimmon, Olivia Sperling, Sander Swanson
Going Under Music: I’m Tired by Labrinth & Zendaya, Like a Boy by Ciara Choreographers: Dance Captains: Brianna Khrakovsky, Chloe Myrick-Ellis,* Gabby Perry* Advisors: Dr. Angela Gittens and Teyana Irving Dance Team Dancers: Eva Aguilo, Cecilia Berkley, Madeline Doty,* Brianna Khrakovsky,* Ella Lille-Yerington, Carolina Mannino, Chloe Myrick-Ellis,* Adrianna Neal,* Gabby Perry,* Atiya Pope, Ali Schuman, Julia Sperling
ONE Music: One (Reprise)/Finale by Edward Kleban Choreographer: Michael Bennett Staged: Samuel Turner US Dance Block A, C & H Dancers: Eva Aguilo, Hazel Budker, Sophia Cimmino,* Kaylee Cumbay, Ariana DiCarlo, Genevieve Fitzpatrick, Stavroula Gabriel, Ryan Geisler, Isabelle Gerling, Hannah Goldberg, Margot Janicik, Danielle Jason, Lorenza Jaramillo, Rahima Libstag, Carolina Mannino, Lulu McDonald, Sacha Mendelson, Myka Modeste, Mia Pineda, Sadie Schoenberger, Ali Schuman, Alice Shinder, Fiona Stephenson, Drew Waldman, Zeke Wise, Wendy Zho
*Excellence in the Arts Certificate Program
Meet the Production Staff Ashley Hacker (MS Dance Director) Born and raised in Upstate New York, Ms. Hacker began her endeavor as a lifelong dancer at the age of 2 ½. She continued her dance studies as an undergraduate at The College at Brockport where she earned a BFA in Dance, and a BS in Psychology with a minor in Music. After graduation, she made the move to the Big Apple to dance, teach, and pursue her MA in Dance Education with a PreK–12 Dance Certification from New York University. Ms. Hacker continues to perform in NYC with her most recent performance at the Peridance Capezio Center; is a member, attends yearly, and presents at the National Dance Education Organization Conference; and regularly participates in arts outreach and in-reach programs in the NYC community. In addition to teaching and choreographing at Poly, Ms. Hacker has also been working hard in her first year as the Dance, Debate & Drama Coordinator. Additionally, she is certified as a yoga teacher, a Strong Nation and Zumba instructor, and a FRC mobility specialist, using her knowledge regularly to support Poly. Samuel Turner (US Dance Director) New to the extraordinary faculty at Poly Prep, Mr. Turner is a choreographer, coach, and dance educator who began his training in music and dance in high school. He was then coached and mentored by Violette Verdy, Guillaume Graffin, Julie Kent, Jacque Cesbron, Iris Rosa, and George Pinney at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, performing principal roles within the classical, contemporary, and African diaspora repertoire. After graduating with a BS in Ballet and Kinesiology, he moved back to the East Coast to dance with leading choreographers Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, Graham Lustig, Elisa Monte, Jennifer Archibald, Lisa de Ribera, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, and Karen Gayle. He has toured throughout North America and Europe with The Metropolitan Opera, The Radio City Rockettes, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Dance Theatre, Cirque du Soleil, Roxey Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, and the Elisa Monte Dance Company. His passion paved the way for dance education, choreographic projects, and the founding of Turner Training, creating/ staging original pieces for dancers at The Harlem School of the Arts, The Joffrey Ballet School, Ballet Tech, American Youth Dance Theater, TAG Young Scholars, STEPS on Broadway Youth, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Ballet Theater, Princeton Ballet School, Kicks Dance Studio, Diva Dance, and Art of Dance. As an ABT® NTC certified Fellow & Affiliate Teacher, he coaches and mentors students who are accepted into performing arts institutions and excellence programs.
Meet the Production Staff (Cont.) David Higham (Lighting Designer & Technical Director) Mr. Higham is in his twenty-ninth year at Poly, where he has been responsible for designing the lighting, sound, and scenery for over 170 productions. In addition to his work at Poly, Mr. Higham has designed lighting for productions at The Public Theatre, Lincoln Center, the Irish Arts Center, The Women’s Project, The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, and The National Shakespeare Company, among others. Mr. Higham also has worked as a lighting designer for several New York City architectural and landscape design firms. Hank Schilling (Student Sound Assistant)
A Note About Our Rehearsal Process and Safety Protocols Due to the current health and safety protocols, we made several adjustments to our rehearsal process, which are outlined below. In preparation for our auditions, rehearsals, and productions, we worked closely with Sarah Zuercher, Director of Health and Well-Being, and Renae Beauchman, COVID Safety Coordinator, to create these protocols: • Staging and choreography adhered to professional standards. • Students were COVID tested every Thursday and before each performance. If they failed to get tested, they were masked in rehearsal and performance.
Our Production Would Not Be Possible without the Generous Support of: Audrius Barzdukas P’20 Head of School Michal Hershkovitz P’16, P’18 Assistant Head of School, Academics Sarah Bates Head of Upper School André Del Valle P’29, ‘33 Head of Middle School Michael Robinson Head of Arts Daniel Doughty Director of Music Ashley Hacker MS/US Dance, Debate & Drama Coordinator The members of the Performing Arts faculty, the Engagement & Communications Department, the Poly Prep IT Staff, the Facilities and Maintenance Department, the Security Staff, the Kitchen Staff, and the Middle & Upper School Deans.
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POWERED BY ANNUAL GIVING
Join Us for These Upcoming Performing Arts Events Spring Vocal Concert Thursday, April 21, 2022 7:00 PM | memorial chapel Spring Instrumental Concert & Arts Festival Thursday. April 28, 2022 7:00 PM | memorial chapel Middle School Musical: 13 the Musical Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown Book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn Thursday & Friday, May 12 & 13, 2022 7:00 PM | richard perry theatre
Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming events!