DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Welcome to DanceScapes: Under the Big Top , a circus-themed dance recital where imagination takes center stage and every performance brings wonder, excitement, and joy. Like a journey through the circus, tonight’s show is filled with colorful characters, playful moments, daring energy, and stories brought to life through movement.
This evening highlights the growth and hard work of our elementary and junior high dancers throughout the year. Each piece has been thoughtfully choreographed by our faculty, who have guided and inspired students in both technique and artistry. From our youngest performers to our more experienced dancers, every routine reflects dedication, discipline, and a love for dance.
At the heart of this work is the belief that creativity is part of God’s divine design. When God places a gift in someone’s life, it becomes both a blessing and a responsibility to develop, share, and use it to uplift others. Through dance, our students participate in that act of creation, turning movement into meaningful expression.
Scripture reminds us in 2 Samuel 6:14–22 that “David danced before the Lord with all his might.” His dance was an offering of joy and devotion. In that same spirit, we recognize dance as both artistry and worship—an opportunity to honor the gifts we have been given.
As you enjoy tonight’s performances, we invite you to celebrate not only what you see on stage, but also the growth, perseverance, and commitment behind each dancer’s journey.
Our guiding values remain:
• WISDOM – Respecting and caring for the bodies and talents we’ve been given.
• HONOR – Performing with purpose and giving all glory to God.
• SACRIFICE – Serving our community and audiences through the gift of dance.
• COURAGE – Sharing our creativity boldly and authentically.
Thank you for supporting these dancers and for joining us under the big top for a joyful celebration of movement, creativity, and faith.
Peace & Love,
Michelle McLaughlin, K-12 Director of Dance
DIRECTED BY
NIGEL SHUM & MEGAN STAGI
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR COLETTE EVANS
TECHNICAL DIRECTORS AVALENNE DELKE (’24), OLIVER KAELIN (’25)
STAGE MANAGER SOPHIA NAMEK
LIGHTING DESIGNER JASON KUZIA
CHOREOGRAPHERS
COLETTE EVANS, NIGEL SHUM, MEGAN STAGI
BACK STAGE MANAGER JUNIOR LOMELI
LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR JOSIAH WILLSON
VIDEOGRAPHY AND PHOTOGRAPHY ALPHA GRIT CREATIVES
STAGEHANDS BETHANY DOHN, XINYI (CINDY) YANG
SHOW ORDER
WELCOME TO THE SHOW
Show Off by Todrick Hall and Nicole Scherzinger; Circus by Stray Kids
The Company
RINGLEADER 1
Marionette by Bea Parks, Garo Nahoulakian, and Oliver Charles Horton
Alexandra Weis
WALKING HIGH
Baby Elephant Walk by Henry Mancini
Dance Express - Ballet
RINGLEADERS 2
Mice Circus by Bruno Coulais, Laurent Petitgirard, Hungarian Symphony Orchestra
Budapest
Sophia Chaudhary, Emma Perkins, Catherine Yu
YET
Yet by 1K Phew
The Crew
RINGLEADERS 3
The Other Side by Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron
Landon Tsang, Advaith Veligeti
LUMINARY
Luminary by Joel Sunny
Elements of Dance Technique
RINGLEADERS 4
Carnival Kerfuffle by Kristofer Maddigan
Addison Morrow, Emma Rotter, Valencia Su, Rebekah Varghese
HOUDINI
Houdini by Dua Lipa
Dance for Stage
POPCORN BREAK
Circus Music by The Hit Crew
Dance Express - Tap
SHOW ORDER
TAKE IT TO THE FLOOR
Take It To The Floor by B2K
The Crew
RINGLEADER 5
Applause by Lady Gaga
Audrey McDonald
THE CENTER RING
Circus by Britney Spears
Dance Express - Jazz
RINGLEADERS 6
Happy Mistake by Lady Gaga
Alexandria Huynh, Carly Tran, Annie Wang
TIGHTROPE
Tightrope by Janelle Monáe Dance for Stage
BREAK FREE
Break Free by Ariana Grande Elements of Dance Technique
RINGLEADERS 7
Wiege (VIVINOS - ALNST Original Soundtrack Part.9) by BL8M Joselyn Ding, Katelyn Wei
THE SHOWMAN
The Greatest Show by Hugh Jackman, Keala Settle, Zac Efron, Zendaya, and The Greatest Showman Ensemble
Dance Express - Hip Hop
PIERROT
Clown by Emeli Sandé
The Company
FINALE
Firework by Katy Perry
Full Cast
SLIDE SHOW
THE COMPANY
DANCERS
Alyne Alawi, Olivia Babassi, Sophia Chaudhary, Joselyn Ding, Ella Du, Lauren Fiore, Alexandria Huynh, Sophia Kim, Noelle Kraver, Hosanna Kwan, Yilin (Elaine) Liu, Addison Morrow, Emma Perkins, Emma Rotter, Valencia Su, Carly Tran, Landon Tsang, Aakarsha Varadarajan, Rebekah Varghese, Evelyn Wan, Annie Wang, Skylar Wang, Katelyn Wei, Alexandra Weis, Catherine Yu
THE CREW
Allison Garcia, Sasha Golter, Alina Kiran, Audrey McDonald, Ashlyn Miller, Shanaya Paul, Vanessa Tow, Charlotte Van Der Veen, Advaith Veligeti, Alice Zhang, Florence Zhao
DANCE EXPRESS
Ballet: Auden Chang, Caroline Li, Anais Papaioannou, Dhriti Vivek, Julia Wang
Tap: Auden Chang, Conor Chun, Alice Daily, Alexander Lee, Ella Noh, Cynthia Wu, Marco Yang
Jazz: Samyra Naik, Zara Naik, Emerson Roush, Lennox Roush, Mia Song, Dorothy Williams
Hip Hop: Emma Breiland, Juliette Jackson, Moxi Mi, Emerson Roush, Lennox Roush, Mia Song, Dorothy Williams, Phoebe Wu
DANCE FOR STAGE
Ava Bowers, Eden Cervantes, Anika Darbhamulla, Angelina Moon, Eleanor Murphy, Colette Overton, Nora Younesi, Sofia Zaragoza
ELEMENTS OF DANCE TECHNIQUE
Lola Carignan, Siri Hang, Taylor Hostetler, Arzoi Kaur, Rebecca Liu, Myra Luo, Kaila Moberg, Reet Nejhavan, Chloe Nguyen, Aashka Prasad, Elizabeth Studer, Shiyuan Wang
DANCE FACULTY
Michelle McLaughlin (since 2013) – Associate Director of Student Learning, Conservatory of the Arts; K-12 Director of Dance; DT IV (H), Vivid
Colette Evans (since 2012) – Administrative Assistant, Dance Department; Vivid Dance Team Head Coach; Kidservatory Dance Teacher K-5
Nigel Shum (since 2018) – JH The Crew, JH Elements of Dance Technique, JH Dance for Stage
Megan Stagi (since 2023) – DT IV (H), JH The Company, Vivid
TEACHING ASSISTANTS:
Jordyn Elford – Dance Express
Chloe Vartanian – The Crew
SUMMER DANCE CAMP
JUNE 8-18, 2026 for students entering 1st-8th grade
Vivid 2 - The Dance Team Experience
Dates June 8-18 (Monday-Friday)
Time 1pm-4pm
Cost $475 Grades
Entering Grades 1-8 (Co-Ed)
Location Skyway Theatre
100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Coaches
Mrs. Colette Evans
Miss Megan Stagi
Vivid Dance Team
Sponsored and facilitated by the members of Valley Christian’s Vivid Dance Team, Vivid 2 introduces young dancers to the fast-paced and exciting world of competitive dance teams! Participants will learn cuttingedge routines, develop team spirit, and have a fantastic time while enhancing their performance skills and dance techniques.
The camp will culminate in a dynamic performance showcasing the combinations and techniques learned over the two weeks. Join us and be a part of our nationally ranked team! Let’s dance!
The camp performance will be held on Thursday, June 18, at 3pm in the VCHS Theatre.
Note: The fee includes a dance team shirt, daily nutritious snacks, and performance expenses. Students will need to provide jazz shoes. Fees will go directly to support Vivid: Valley Christian’s award-winning competitive dance team. If you have any questions, please contact Colette Evans, cevans@vcs.net
with special alumni guest
marimba violin piano piano
The Summit Series
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Summit Series brings world-class artists and master teachers to VCS Conservatory for a season of one-on-one lessons, masterclasses, workshops, and performances. Our students work directly with GRAMMY® Award winners, faculty from the country’s leading conservatories, and the world’s top soloists, gaining the kind of mentorship and perspective that shapes a serious musical education. We invite you to join us this season of extraordinary music!
SUMMER THEATRE CAMP
Dates June 8-18 (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-12pm
Cost
$495
Grades
Entering Grades 3-5 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Theatre 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Camp registration closes Monday, May 11. for students entering 3rd-5th grade JUNE 8-18, 2026
Instructor
Miss Sophia McCann (’15) Mr. Justin McPherson (’07)
Join us for a two-week, half-day camp for students entering grades 3-5. These young actors will focus on learning lines, basic stage directions, introductory vocals, choreography, and stage movement, culminating with a fun and energetic “mini-show” performance on June 18 at 12pm. This year’s camp is not to be missed and will give budding thespians great building blocks for their future at VCT.
Mandatory Camp Showcase June 18 at 12pm
Note: Camp fee includes a camp t-shirt. Students are responsible for bringing their own snack. If you have questions, or if all spots are full when you go to register, please contact Cristina Zepeda, czepeda@vcs.net, to be placed on a waitlist.
SUMMER THEATRE CAMP JUNE 8-26, 2026
for students entering 6th-12th grade
Summer Theatre 2026: Disney’s FROZEN JR.
Dates June 8-26 (Closed June 19) (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-3pm
Cost $795
Grades
Entering Grades 6-12 (Co-Ed)
Location Skyway Theatre 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructor
Miss Sophia McCann (’15)
Mr. Justin McPherson (’07)
Disney’s enchanting modern classic comes to life in Frozen JR. this summer at VCT! Based on the hit Broadway musical, the show brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to the stage with beloved songs and exciting new moments written for Broadway. Students will explore a heartfelt story of courage, acceptance, and sisterhood as Anna and Elsa discover their inner strength. Filled with magic, adventure, humor, and unforgettable characters, Frozen JR. promises a fun, inspiring, and confidence-building summer experience.
Join us for a three-week, full day camp for students entering grades 6-12. Students will spend their days rehearsing vocals, choreography, and staging, leading up to performances on June 25-26. Every student is guaranteed a role in the show! Join us for a summer filled with creativity, growth, and the magic of Frozen JR!
No camp on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Mandatory Performances on June 25-26 at 6pm. Camp hours will be adjusted on these two days to accommodate the performances.
Note: Camp fee includes a camp t-shirt. Students are responsible for bringing their own snack and lunch. If you have questions, or if all spots are full when you go to register, please contact Cristina Zepeda, czepeda@vcs.net, to be placed on a waitlist.
Camp registration closes Monday, May 11.
SUMMER ART CAMP
Friends • Creativity • Memories
Dates June 8-12 (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-12pm
Cost $300
Grades
Entering Grades 1-2 (Co-Ed)
Location Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Dr San Jose, CA 95111
Instructor Mrs. Jill Carlson
Art Camp emphasizes creativity as an integral part of the art process, regardless of a student’s level of experience. By teaching fundamental skills and concepts, the instructor encourages students to see art as a means of personal expression. The Valley Christian Elementary School Art Camp allows children to immerse themselves in an array of intensive art studio experiences. Children will be up to their elbows in fun as they dabble in a kaleidoscope of exciting art!
Note: Children should plan to wear clothing that can get messy and stained. Pack a snack and drink for a break outside.
SUMMER ART CAMP
JUNE 8-12, 2026
for students entering 3rd-5th grade
Friends • Creativity • Memories
Dates June 8-12 (Monday-Friday)
Time 1pm-4pm
Cost $300
Grades
Entering Grades 3-5 (Co-Ed)
Location Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Dr San Jose, CA 95111
Instructor Mrs. Jill Carlson
Art Camp emphasizes creativity as an integral part of the art process, regardless of a student’s level of experience. By teaching fundamental skills and concepts, the instructor encourages students to see art as a means of personal expression. The Valley Christian Elementary School Art Camp allows children to immerse themselves in an array of intensive art studio experiences. Children will be up to their elbows in fun as they dabble in a kaleidoscope of exciting art!
Note: Children should plan to wear clothing that can get messy and stained. Pack a snack and drink for a break outside.
SUMMER ELEMENTARY BAND CAMP
for students entering 4th-5th grade
Friends • Music • Memories
Dates June 1-5 (Monday-Friday)
Time 8:30am-12pm
Cost $275
Grades
Entering Grades 4-5 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Mr. Jeff Wilson
Dr. Shane Ryan (’16)
Miss Katelyn Dietz (’14)
The Elementary Band Camp offers rising fourth and fifth graders the opportunity to play a band instrument, including the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, drums, and more. The camp welcomes both beginners and students with more experience and includes some fun activities along the way.
A short concert will occur on Friday, June 5 at 11:30am.
Note: All are welcome. Instruments are available to borrow.
EL Band Camp/PIE JR. Camp - DISCOUNT BUNDLE!
Bundle both EL Band Camp and PIE JR. Camp for a $50 discount savings.
Dates: June 1-5 (8:30am-12pm) / June 8-12 (9am-4pm)
Performance on Friday, June 12 at 3pm.
Note: Performers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Snacks provided. Pack your own lunch.
SUMMER JUNIOR HIGH BAND CAMP
JUNE
1-5, 2026
for students entering 6th-8th grade
Friends • Music • Memories
Dates June 1-5 (Monday-Friday)
Time 8:30am-12pm
Cost $275
Grades
Entering Grades 6-8 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Mr. Jeff Wilson
Dr. Shane Ryan (’16) Miss Katelyn Dietz (’14)
The Junior High Band Camp is an opportunity for students to begin their journey of learning a band instrument. It is also designed for students with experience who want to improve their skills on traditional band instruments, including the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, drums, and more. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced junior high-aged students. Our goal is to make music and have fun with friends.
A short concert will occur on Friday, June 5 at 11:30am.
Note: All are welcome. Instruments are available to borrow.
JH Band Camp/PIE JR. Camp - DISCOUNT BUNDLE!
Bundle both JH Band Camp and PIE JR. Camp for a $50 discount savings.
Dates: June 1-5 (8:30am-12pm) / June 8-12 (9am-4pm)
Performance on Friday, June 12 at 3pm.
Note: Performers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Snacks provided. Pack your own lunch.
SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL BAND CAMP
for students entering 9th-12th grade
Friends • Music • Memories
Dates June 1-5 (Monday-Friday)
Time 8:30am-12pm
Cost
$275
Grades
Entering Grades 9-12 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Mr. Jeff Wilson
Dr. Shane Ryan (’16)
Miss Katelyn Dietz (’14)
The High School Band Camp is an opportunity for students to start their journey of learning a band instrument. It is also designed for students with experience who want to improve their skills on traditional band instruments, including the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, drums, and more. All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced high school-aged students. Our goal is to make music and have fun with friends.
A short concert will occur on Friday, June 5 at 11:30am.
Note: All are welcome. Instruments are available to borrow.
HS Band Camp/PIE JR. Camp - DISCOUNT BUNDLE!
Bundle both HS Band Camp and PIE JR. Camp for a $50 discount savings.
Dates: June 1-5 (8:30am-12pm) / June 8-12 (9am-4pm)
Performance on Friday, June 12 at 3pm.
Note: Performers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Snacks provided. Pack your own lunch.
JUNE 8-12, 2026
4th-12th grade
Friends • Creativity • Memories
Dates June 8-12 (Monday-Friday)
Time 9am-4pm
Cost $275
Grades
Entering Grades 4-12 (Co-Ed)
Location
Skyway Conservatory 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111
Instructors
Mr. Jeff Wilson
Dr. Shane Ryan (’16) Miss Katelyn Dietz (’14)
Introduction to the skills of our award-winning Performing Indoor Ensemble (PIE). Rising fourth through twelfth-grade students will learn how to apply band (woodwind, brass, and mixed percussion) and color guard (flags, choreography, and dance) to produce a “mini-show” performance in one week. Some band experience required. No experience needed to participate with the color guard.
Performance on Friday, June 12 at 3pm.
Note: Performers should wear comfortable athletic clothing and shoes. Snacks provided. Pack your own lunch.
AFFIRMING THE ARTS
Spring 2026
Jan 24.............................. West Coast Elite Dance Competition - HS Dance
Jan 31................................ Conservatory Concerto Competition Finals Round - HS Music
Mar 5-7............................. 11-14 My Fair Lady - HS Theatre
Mar 26-28......................... Dare to Dream Jr. - A Disney Musical Revue - JH Theatre
Mar 30.............................. Spring Chamber Recital - JH/HS Chambers
Mar 31............................... Serenade to Spring - JH/HS Strings
Apr 18............................... An Evening of Note - K-12 Music
Apr 22.............................. Faith, Hope, and Love - JH/HS Choirs
Apr 23............................. Percussion Extravaganza - JH Drums/HS Percussion
Apr 23-25........................ Emotions: Sitcoms - HS Dance
Apr 30-May 2.................. Experiments in Comedy & Tragedy - HS Theatre
May 4-15.......................... Art Show - EL Art
May 8-9............................ Willy Wonka KIDS - EL Theatre
May 11.............................. Theatre & Dance Senior Showcase - HS Conservatory
May 12-15......................... Art Show and Visual Art Senior Showcase - JH/HS Art
May 13.............................. Festival of the Arts and Music Senior Showcase - K-12 Music
May 21-23......................... DanceScapes: Under the Big Top - EL/JH Dance
May 24............................. Conservatory Concerto Competition Winners Concert - HS Music
Grace Zhu (’27)
WARRIOR FUND
Tuition funds operations. Philanthropy fuels vision. Every gift makes a difference, so please consider donating to the Warrior Fund today.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 2027
We look forward to welcoming the VCS community for a round of golf and a day of fellowship at the annual Golf Classic. vcs.net/golfclassic
Giving PLANNED
The Shechem Oak Society honors alumni, parents, and friends who have included Valley Christian Schools in their estate plans, empowering future generations just as the oak at Shechem symbolized God’s faithfulness throughout biblical history. Your gift ensures our faithful witness to God’s kingdom mission through VCS to all generations.
We invite you to join the Shechem Oak Society. Visit plannedgiving.vcs.net or contact advancement@vcs.net to explore the variety of ways you can make a lasting impact at VCS.
MISSION STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™
FOUNDING STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth-grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence
