ThuRsday 20 and FRiday 21 FebRuaRy 6pm AuditoRium
TicKets On SaLe FebRuaRy 5th via TicKetor
Thegreatestartintheworldistheartofstorytelling. -CecilB DeMille
welcometo... Reimagine
Thethemeforthe2025DanceShowcaseSeriesis‘Reimagine’,anexplorationofhow familiarstoriescanbereshapedandrediscoveredthroughthelanguageofdance This themeallowedustotakewell-knownnarratives,reinterpretingthemthroughmovement, emotion,andcontemporaryperspectives
Dance,atitscore,isanactofreimagining Eachmovementtransformsfragmentsofthe humanexperienceintoatransientmomentarystory Thisprocesshaschallengedour dancerstopushboundaries,questionconventions,andreinventstorytellingthroughtheir artistry
Through"Reimagine,"wecelebratethelimitlesspossibilitiesofdanceasastorytelling medium Weseethepastandpresentmerge,traditionmeetinginnovation,andeach performanceoffersafreshlensonthenarrativesthathaveshapedourworld
Whilethe244studentsperformingtonightarethestarsoftheshow,I’dalsoliketothank thebehindthescenesstarsthatburnatallhourstomakeaperformancelikethishappen
AVEastcrewfortheiroutstandingefforttomakeourperformancesspectacular
Ourwonderfuldancetutors;StephanieLee,ChloeTanandHafeezHassan JoreenandourEastFacilitiesStaff
Kazryourfabulousphotographer
Ourstudentbackstagecrew,whohavebeeninvaluable
TheIBDP&UWCSEAcurriculumdancestudents,theUWCSEAExcelDance Companymembers,andtheactivitiesdancersfortheirhardworkandcommitment duringthisprocess
OurStudentchoreographerswhohaveshownfantasticleadershipandchoreographic talent
TheCollegeLeadershipTeamandHSArtsFacultyfortheirsupportthroughoutthe process
Wehopeyouenjoyour2025DanceShowcaseSeries;Reimagine
Act one The WizaRD of Oz
ChoreographedbyLaurenHicksonandStephanieLee incollaborationwiththedancers
TheWizardofOzisaboutDorothyGale,ayounggirlfromKansas,wholivesonafarm withherAuntEmandAuntHenrietta ConstantlyatoddswithMissGulch,shefaces troublewhenthewomantriestotakeherbeloveddog,Toto Longingforescapefrom herdullanddrearylife,Dorothydreamsofaplacebeyondtherainbowwherelifeis brighter Oneday,apowerfultornadowhisksherawaytothemagicallandofOz,where herhouselandsonandkillstheWickedWitchoftheEast,liberatingtheMunchkins fromheroppressiverule.
AllofMunchkinLandrejoicesintheirnewfoundfreedomasDorothymeetsthe MunchkinMerrymakers,YellowBrickRoadies,andMunchkinBallerinas TheGood WitchoftheNorth,Glinda,givesDorothythewitch’srubyslippersandadvisesherto followtheYellowBrickRoadtotheEmeraldCity,wheretheWizardofOzcanhelpher returnhome
Onherjourney,DorothybefriendsaScarecrowwhowantsabrain,aTinManwholongs foraheart,andaCowardlyLionwhoseekscourage Together,theytraveltoseethe Wizard,overcomingvariousobstacles,includingtheWickedWitchoftheWest,who seeksrevengeforhersister’sdeathanddesiresDorothyreturnthemagicalslippersto her WhentheyreachtheEmeraldCity,theWizardagreestogranttheirwishesifthey defeattheWickedWitchoftheWest Dorothyultimatelydestroysthewitchby throwingabucketofwateronher,causinghertomelt TheyreturntotheWizard,only todiscoversheisanordinarywomanusingillusionstoappearpowerful However,she helpsDorothy’sfriendsrealisetheyalreadypossessthequalitiestheysought
Toreturnhome,GlindathenrevealsDorothyhasalwayshadthepowertoreturnhome byclickingherheelsandrepeating,“There’snoplacelikehome”Dorothywakesupin Kansas,realisingheradventuresmayhavebeenadreambutcherishingthelessonsshe learnedaboutself-discovery,friendship,andthemeaningofhome.
Dorothy Gale
Cast
Wicked Witch of the West/Ms Gulch
Glinda the Good Witch of the North
The Scarecrow
The TinMan
The Cowardly Lion
The Wizard of Oz
Aunt Em
Aunt Henrietta
Venice Liew
Jessie Meng
Sisley Hendarto
Guanchen Jin
Satsuki Yano
Navya Dhingra
Bonnie Tang Mufeng
Marisa Aria
Soyoka Nakamura
Yellow Brick Roadies
Clara Crowe
Lulu Enomoto
Samaya Reina Atuk
Summer Yuxuan Wong
Tanvi Ashokka
Uta Nakamura
Munchkin Ballerinas
Bhavika Maheshwari
Rose Molitt
Sia An
Steffi Richardson
Yawen Zheng
Emerald City Dancers
Anna Ortiz
Clara Crowe
Lulu Enomoto
Raya Dalmia
Samaya Reina Atuk
Summer Yuxuan Wong
Tanvi Ashokka
Uta Nakamura
Twister & Poppies Dancers
Abigail Clapp
Amelia Yeung
Bhavika Maheshwari
Bonnie Tang Mufeng
Gloria Wang
Munchkin Merrymakers
Aarya Biyani
Emily McDonough
Grace Stockwell
Hailin Ning
Iaroslava Zueva
Joelle Zhu
Farmyard Animals
EmilyLi
IshiMisra
KazukiYamaguchi
KotoMihara
LeihiMulanEnomoto
Kayla Perera
Lauren Ho
Manasvi Kishore
Marisa Aria
Rose Mollitt
Shreya Naini
Soyoka Nakamura
Steffi Richardson Yawen Zheng
Yuri Nishioka
Mutong Ni
Ojasvi Anand
Sophia Chi
Stella Love Soper
Yunru Xia
MeekaSamuels
MilaZhang
NairaDasgupta
SashaZueva
ViyonaKedia
Weizhi Gu
Yona Edebiri
Zainab Rehan
Zoya Goldstein
Act Two MythoLogies
Choreographed by
Lauren Hickson
in collaboration with the dancers andJessieMeng
Forcenturies,mythologyhasshapedcultures,beliefs,andartistic expressions,offeringtimelessstoriesofgods,heroes,andmythical creatures.Acrosstheworld,thesetaleshavebeenpasseddownthrough generations,capturingtheessenceofhumanimagination,struggle,and triumph
Mythologiesbringsthesestoriestolifethroughmovement,exploring Aztec,Chinese,GreekandJapanesetraditions.Theworksepisodic structureallowsforexplorationofthethemes;curiosity,ambition,power, duality,temptation,desire,isolationanddestruction.Thesestories,whilst ancient,stillreflectthecomplexitiesofhumanexistenceandarestill relevanintodayscontext.
Yin and Yang
Nyx Wise Monkeys
Pandora Icarus Narcissus
Ava Jochmann and Scarlett Lay
Jessie Meng
Ella Romain, Samara Pesch, Sophia Bithos
Kerri Byrden
Amelia Shen
Kureha Kasahara
Passages of Time
Performed by Grade 9 Dance
Beforecalendarsandcycles,beforethesunand moontooktheirplacesinthesky,therewas Cipactonal,theAztecgodoftime,wisdom,and divination.Cipactonalembodiestheeternalcycle, ephasisingtheinevidtiabilityofchange,thepassing oferasandthebalancebetweenpast,presentand future Thisdanceutilisesmovementtomarkthe pulseoftheuniverseandthenaturalcyclesofthe world Dancersportraytheever-shiftingflowoftime, tracingthepatternsoffatealongthecelestialpaths ofthesunandmoon.
Yin and Yang
Performed by Ava Jochmann and Scarlett Lay
This work explores the harmony of opposites; light and dark, masculine and feminine, chaos and order, softness and strength. It portrays how these forces coexist, define each other, and ultimately work in balance In today’s world, we often see these dualities in competition, when in fact, the interconnected elements create harmony Through contrasting movements, the dancer embodies the constant push and pull of opposing forces, revealing their transformation and interdependence.
Nyx
Performed and choreographed by Jessie Meng
InspiredbyNyx,theGreekgoddessofnight,thissolo danceexploresherpowertoinducenighttimeand wielddarkness.Throughtheblendingoffluid movementsandabruptbursts,itportraysthe dancer’sjourneyfrombeingtrappedinsidethe darkness,strugglingthroughit,andeventually breakingfree,showingNyx’sformidablemight
Performed
by
Wise Monkeys
Ella, Samara and Sophia
Wise Monkeys brings to life the timeless proverb " see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," using movement to explore the complexities of perception, wisdom, and ignorance. The dancers portray a world where truth is often concealed, questioning how what we choose to see, hear, and say shapes our understanding of reality. As they embody the struggle between awareness and willful blindness, the piece challenges audiences to reflect on the power of knowledge and the consequences of turning a blind eye to the world around us
Pandora’s Temptation and Jar
Performed by Kerri and the Middle School Contemporary Dance Company
Pandora’s Temptation explores the origins of human suffering through Pandora and the mysterious jar she possesses Whilst she was beautiful, intelligent, and curious, she was also given a sealed jar that she was instructed never to open Unable to resist temptation, she lifted the lid, accidentally releasing all the evils of the world sickness, death, sorrow, and hardship.
Pandora’s Jar explores the chaos that is unleashed as Pandora opens the Jar. Shadows of despair, war, and suffering spill forth twisting and contorting in unrelenting destruction. Each entity - greed, pain, feartakes form through movement as the dancers explore what has been unleashed upon the world
Icarus
Performed by Amelia Wise Monkeys brings to life the timeless proverb " see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," using movement to explore the complexities of perception, wisdom, and ignorance The dancers portray a world where truth is often concealed, questioning how what we choose to see, hear, and say shapes our understanding of reality As they embody the struggle between awareness and willful blindness, the piece challenges audiences to reflect on the power of knowledge and the consequences of turning a blind eye to the world around us
Echoes
Performed by Grade 11 Dance
In Greek mythology, Echo is cursed by Hera to only repeat the words spoken to her, leaving her unable to speak freely. This work explores and embodies the cyclical nature of Echo's curse, with movement symbolising the words that rebound, reverberate, and reoccur Through this repetition, Echo is trapped in a cycle of isolation, bound by the echoes of others' voices
The Sirens’ Call Performed by Grade 10 Dance
Beneath the waves, where the ocean whispers secrets and the tide sings in haunting melodies, the sirens awaken Their movements are fluid, hypnotic, and treacherous, luring sailors into a trance, drawing them toward their doom. As beauty and danger entwine, the stage becomes a shifting seascape of longing and deception The Siren’s Call explores the fusion of grace and power, where every movement weaves a tale of desire, mystery, and the irresistible pull of the sea
Narcissus
Performed by Kureha
Narcissus delves into the psyche of a man entranced by his own reflection, trapped in an endless cycle of self-admiration and despair. Through fluid and hypnotic movement, the piece explores the allure of vanity and the inevitable downfall of self-obsession As Narcissus gazes upon his image, drawn ever closer to an illusion he can never truly possess, his world begins to collapse around him. The performance captures the delicate balance between beauty and destruction, revealing how the pursuit of perfection can lead to isolation and, ultimately, self-destruction
Medusa ‘s Wrath
Performed by HS Contemporary Dance Company
This piece delves into the fury that coils within her, unraveling through twisting circular movements that evoke the serpents entwined in her hair. Sharp, angular gestures cut through space like the piercing gaze that turns onlookers to stone, while fluid transitions embody the shifting nature of her power both a curse and a weapon. As the dancers move, they channel Medusa’s transformation from victim to an unstoppable force, reclaiming her narrative as one of resilience and vengeance The choreography captures the tension between rage and grace, illustrating the raw energy of a woman who refuses to be defined by her punishment, but instead commands the stage with unyielding strength
Act Two RefRame
ChoreographedbyLaurenHicksonandStephanieLee incollaborationwiththedancers
Jazzdancehasalwaysbeenagenreofreinvention,constantlyshifting, evolving,andadaptingtoreflecttheenergyofeachnewgeneration.
Let’s Get Loud
Performed by JS Jazz
Choreographed by Stephanie
Lee
Our junior school dancers take the stage with infectious enthusiasm, filling the space with boundless energy and joy
Through their expressive movements and unfiltered passion, they remind us that dance is more than just steps it is a celebration of creativity, freedom, and the pure joy of movement. Their performance captures the essence of discovery and excitement, setting the tone for an evening where storytelling and expression come to life through dance
Burlesque
Performed by HS Jazz Dance Company
Our High School Jazz Company steps into the spotlight, bringing Burlesque to life with electrifying energy and undeniable stage presence
Embracing the theatricality, bold confidence, and sensual stylisation that define this classic jazz-inspired genre, the dancers channel the essence of cabaret performance where storytelling meets sultry sophistication With dynamic choreography, striking lines, and powerful musicality, they capture the spirit of self-expression and empowerment, transforming the stage into a world of glamour, allure, and unshakable confidence
Hard Knock Children
Performed by MS Musical Theatre
Choreographed by Lauren Hickson
This work fuses the gritty determination of Hard Knock Life from Annie with the defiant energy of Revolting Children from Matilda. This dynamic piece celebrates the bold, unyielding nature of kids as they transform from the forgotten to the rebellious The piece draws on the key characteristics of the musical theatre genre to express the lyrics through movement
Razzle-Dazzle
Performed by Grade 11 Dance
Choreographed by Lauren
Hickson
This piece features a range of high energy numbers from the musical Chicago, choreographed by Bob Fosse This style exploration, which is apart of the students IB course work, allows master of the ke characteristics of Fosse's niq e st le thro gh a
Dancin’ Fool
Performed by Grade 9 Dance
Choreographed by Lauren Hickson
Dancin’ Fool comes from the Broadway musical Copacabana, set in a glamorous 1940s nightclub on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro At this point in the musical, the character unapologetically revels in the joy of dancing This piece embodies themes of perseverance and personal confidence, with a humorous twist on the idea of
Americano
Performed by Grade 10 Dance
Choreographed by Lauren Hickson in collaboration with the dancers Thispiecereinterpretsuniversalthemesofloveand freedom,drawingonLatin-inspiredbeatsandSpanish musictoexplorethedesiretobreakconventionsandfind companionshipdespitesocietalorculturalobstacles. Throughafusionofstyles,itportraysthecomplexitiesof identityandtheyearningforpersonalliberation.
Crazy In Love
Performed by MS
Jazz
ABBA Rewired
Choreographed
by
Lauren Hickson
Set against the glitz and excess of the 1920s, this piece draws inspiration from The Great Gatsby, where glamour and illusion mask the fragility of desire and ambition. This reinterpretation of the iconic novel and song blends the era ’ s signature Charleston-inspired movements with contemporary motifs. Exploring themes of wealth and excess, the dancers embody the restless energy of jazz-age parties, where revelry and recklessness collide
Performed by HS Contemporary Company
Choreographed by Lauren
Hickson
This performance celebrates ABBA’s influence on dance and Eurodisco’s lasting impact on popular culture. Blending Classic Disco with Contemporary Jazz dance, the piece captures the energy and timeless appeal of ABBA’s music. Their fusion of pop and disco not only shaped Eurodisco but also put Swedish music on the global stage This tribute honours their iconic hits and the dance movement they helped define
