Director’s Note
Welcome to All Out 80’s, where we embark on a vibrant journey into the creative process of directing a dazzling dance showcase that captures the electrifying spirit of the 1980s. Every detail celebrates the era–from selecting iconic tracks that spark nostalgia and transport you back to crafting captivating choreography that embodies the decade’s bold colors, energetic moves, and distinct styles. Our talented choreographers will share their invaluable insights on bringing together a diverse and dynamic cast, ensuring that each thrilling performance resonates deeply with the audience. Prepare to be mesmerized by the seamless interplay of music, movement, and expression, creating an unforgettable tribute to the exuberance of 80s dance culture. Let’s delve into the heart and soul of this remarkable era as we dance our way through its unique charm, flair, and enduring influence!
Thank you for joining us for an exciting evening of creativity and expression at our Student Choreography Dance Concert! This event showcases our student choreographers’ incredible talent and ingenuity, who have crafted unique pieces that reflect their artistic visions.
The concert will feature a variety of dance styles, from contemporary to hip-hop, allowing our diverse group of dancers to shine. Each choreography is a product of hours of hard work, collaboration, and passion, bringing fresh perspectives to the art of dance. You’ll be able to witness how these young artists interpret themes ranging from personal experiences to broader social issues, all expressed through movement.
Thank you for supporting our students as they take the stage to share their creativity and dedication with the audience. It promises to be an inspiring, unforgettable evening filled with energy, emotion, and innovation! Don’t miss out on celebrating the next generation of choreographers!
Peace & Love,
Once God places a gift and calls on someone’s life, there is no straying from God’s path. Gifts are used to bring honor and glory to God, and one way that takes place is through art as a form of worship, such as music, art, and DANCE.
“David danced before the Lord with all his might, which is considered an example of surrendering to God in worship” (2 Samuel 6:14–22).
HONOR | Perform for Him, let all the glory be to Him.
WISDOM | Honor your body.
COURAGE | Let your art be a way for you to share God’s light with the world!
SACRIFICE | Serve and minister to our community and audiences through dance for the Glory of God!
Michelle McLaughlin K-12 Director of Dance
Thursday 4/24 - 6:00 pm
Friday 4/25 - 4:00 pm (Student Show) and 7:30pm Saturday 4/26 - 2:00 pm
Director................................................................................................. Michelle McLaughlin
Assistant Directing Team.................................................Colette Evans, Kara Richey, Nigel Shum & Megan Stagi
Technical Director..................................................................................Keaton Miller (’17)
Stage Manager.............................................................................................. Sydnee Smaha
Lighting Design...................................................................... ............................ Jason Kuzia
Costume Consultant..................................................................................... Colette Evans
Costumes Mistress................................................................................................Kathy Risk
Projectionist......................................................................................................... Aanya Sethi
Videographer......................................................................................Alpha Grit Creatives
Photography ....................................................................................................... DaChan Min
Production/House Manager.......................................................................Colette Evans
Backstage Manager................................................................................ Reid Charkowsky
Light Board Operator................................................................................. Sydnee Smaha
Sound Board Operator Neha Subhash
Student Costume Associate...................................................................... Allison Zhong
Video Editing...............................................................................................................TJ Shaw
Program
WELCOME TO THE 80s
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Inspiration comes from the original Michael Peters choreography, which aired on MTV in 1983. This iconic thirteen-minute video started a generation of music videos and fashion styles.
Restaging by Michelle McLaughlin
The Emotions Cast
“My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown
My inspiration for this piece comes from the fashion and music from the 80s. The lyrics also inspire the message of this dance. The purpose is not to let anyone make you feel you need to be anyone but yourself, that you can choose what you feel is right, and that it’s okay to be different.
Choreography by Makena Suekawa
Kayla Abaya, Anh Cao, Anuhya Gottam, Aubrey Heath, Zaráh Heeregrave, Rayne Johnson, Sanya Kondapalli, Fiona Lee, Melody Leong, Devshree Mistry, Chichi Nwodo, Ameera Salameh, Amber Shi, Isabella Su, Makena Suekawa, Ziyu Xu
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
This piece is inspired by self-reflection, personal growth, and social change. The choreography symbolizes self-examination, with movement evolving from struggle to empowerment.
Choreography by Ashlee Concepcion and Jordyn Elford
Ashlee Concepcion, Jordyn Elford, Reallyn Helmke, Caitlin Tsang, Emily Wan, Lillian Zhong
“Vienna” by Billy Joel
Yuppie Culture is the inspiration for this dance. In the rat race of the 80s, many allowed their lives to pass quickly. We wanted to portray what it would look like to take a breath and enjoy the adventures life has to offer.
Choreography by Kayla Abaya and Rayne Johnson
Kayla Abaya, Anh Cao, Aubrey Heath, Rayne Johnson, Sanya Kondapalli, Annie Li, Devshree Mistry, Ziyu Xu, Aileen Zhu
“Listen to Your Heart” by Dash Berlin featuring Christina Novelli
The 80s was a time of self-discovery and experimentation with things such as style and art. So this piece is reflective of that as it encourages people to “listen to their hearts” and be their authentic selves. Inspiration comes from the movie “Pretty in Pink”...when forced to choose, stay true to herself.
Choreography by Allison Chen
Dylan Chang, Allison Chen, Ashlee Concepcion, Hailey Mac, Darcey McCarley, Catherine Sandoval, Amber Shi, Lillian Zhong
“Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
The complexity of love and missing those who have moved on inspired this dance.
Choreography by Julie Shi and Caitlin Tsang
Anh Cao, Alexandra Espinosa, Jennaly Fangonilo, Zarah Heeregrave, Annie Li, Amerys Seegars, Julie Shi, Makena Suekawa, Caitlin Tsang, Aileen Zhu
“Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks
This 80s-themed dance is inspired and highlighted by that period’s vibrant and carefree spirit.
Choreography and performance by Sophia Grabinger, Arya Gulati, and Emmalene Rosingana
Program
MTV
When Harry Met Sally
This movie-inspired dance shows the relationship between two individuals and their journey from meeting to becoming friends and being determined to stay friends until they inevitably fall in love.
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
Choreography by Ruhi Kalambur and Darcey McCarley
Kayla Abaya, Dylan Chang, Allison Chen, Suriya Demps, Alexandra Espinosa, Nora Garlick, Darcey McCarley, Ameera Salameh, Amber Shi, Julie Shi
“Alone” by Heart
Our dance is a tribute to the power ballads of the 80s. We wanted our choreography to capture the essence of the song and the common themes of love, yearning, and passion that were prominent in pop culture back then. Through our dance, we hope to display the courage and vulnerability to pursue our desires and the connections we form.
Choreography by Maya Hsian and Lucy Xie
Maya Hsian, Rayne Johnson, Caitlin Tsang, Lucy Xie, Angela Yu
“Purple Rain” by Prince
When I first heard the song, I was moved by how melodic and beautiful someone could sound while describing his take on the end of the world. I also love the lyrics and how the melody flows with the background music, and the long guitar solo inspired me.
Choreography and Performance by Ava Suzuki
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
My inspiration for this piece is Michael Jackson’s influence on hip-hop, specifically what he has done to make the style what it is today. Michael Jackson introduced a movement style linked to him, popularizing signature moves like the Moonwalk. I created movements that produce the same feeling I get when I watch him perform, as an appreciation for his impact and legacy.
Choreography by Angela Yu
Kayla Abaya, Nora Garlick, Melody Leong, Cat Sandoval, Zali Smallcombe, Zara Smallcombe, Makena Suekawa, Michael Villegas, Angela Yu
INTERMISSION
ON THE SCREEN
“The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac
Our inspiration for creating this piece is the yearning for human connection when all feels lost and hopeless. The main purpose of the chain is to communicate that we can all come together as an orderly and peaceful unit, that we all have a role in life that affects each other in the greatest ways possible, and that we can make a difference in the lives of ourselves and the people amongst us if we just follow the path and come together through the guidance of our Lord.
Choreography by Nora Garlick and Catherine Sandoval
Nora Garlick, Sophia Grabinger, Reallyn Helmke, Maya Hsian, Mikaela Mayr, Catherine Sandoval, Caitlin Tsang, Emily Wan, Lucy Xie, Angela Yu, Lillian Zhong
Program
NEWS OF THE 80s
Obscured Histories
This concert piece reflects the suffering not shown throughout the 80s. Like the song we chose, our piece is inspired by the Renaissance throughout the Cold War and its surge of artworks and expressions of profound sadness. We want to embody that same suffering through a dance that shows the relationship of two friends struggling throughout the war.
“Czardas” by Nicola Benedetti, Thomas Carroll, Petr Limon, Ksenija Sidorova, Tamas Andras, and Vittorio Monti
Choreography and performance by Charlotte Kautzer and Aria Liu
“Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS
We want people to never give up on their goals and to always work for want they desire.
Inspired from the movie “Princess Bride.”
Choreography and performance by Dylan Chang and Allison Chen
Out There On Your Own
My inspiration comes from when people traveled to big cities alone to chase their dreams, not knowing what to expect.
“Out Here on My Own” by Irene Cara
Choreography by Elaine Wang
Sophia Grabinger, Maya Hsian, Amy Li, Lucy Xie
“9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
We were inspired by the song’s powerful story of female empowerment, a major topic of the 1980s. Through our dance, we aimed to capture the struggles and strength of businesswomen, highlighting their determination to break the confines set in place by society and take control of their own lives.
Choreography and performance by Nora Garlick and Ava Suzuki
Love Comes First
Inspired by friendship, love, and community. People struggle many times in life, but love and friendship are essential. Having a group that supports you and brings you up helps you get through the hard times in life.
“Heaven Is A Place On Earth” by Belinda Carlisle
Choreography by Reallyn Helmke and Lillian Zhong
Jordyn Elford, Reallyn Helmke, Rayne Johnson, Ameera Salameh, Catherine Sandoval, Makena Suekawa, Caitlin Tsang, Lillian Zhong
MJ Mix
Inspired by the iconic 80s music legend, Michael Jackson.
Music Compilation by Michael Jackson
Choreography and Performance by Michael Villegas
Beautiful Boy
My inspiration for this piece comes from the nostalgic childhood memories of teenage years, going behind your parents’ backs, dreaming of adventure, and finding the fun in life.
“Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)” by John Lennon
Choreography and performance by Diana Zhang
Program
“Slipping Through My Fingers” by ABBA
This piece is inspired by the passage of time, the bond between friends, nostalgia, and the bittersweet feeling of growing up too fast.
Choreography and performance by Hailey Mac and Minhui Bartels
“Against All Odds” by Phil Collins
Inspired by the resilience of the 80s.
Choreography by Amy Li
Maya Hsian, Caitlin Tsang, Emily Wan, Melinda Wong, Lucy Xie, Angela Yu
SENIOR CLASS OF 2025
Going to the Prom
Inspired by the movie and music of Footloose.
“Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Denice Williams
“Take On Me” by A-ha
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
“Material Girl” by Madonna
“Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler
“Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
Choreography by Catherine Sandoval and Melinda Wong
Lucas Funston, Nora Garlick, Maya Hsian, Rayne Johnson, Junior Lomeli, Joshua Pham, Vaibhav Rau, Catherine Sandoval, Varan Verma, Melinda Wong, Lucy Xie, Angela Yu, Ethan Yueh, Brandon Zhang
Choreographers
Allison Chen Amy Li
Angela Yu
Aria Liu Arya Gulati
Ashlee Concepcion
Ava Suzuki
Caitlyn Tsang
Catherine Sandoval
Charlotte Kautzer
Darcey McCarley
Diana Zhong
Dylan Chang
Elaine Wang
Eleanor Garlick
Emmalene Rosingana
Hailey Mac Jordyn Elford
Julie Shi
Kayla Abaya
Lillian Zhong Lucy Xie Makena Suekawa
Maya Hsian
Melinda Wong
Choreographers
Jordyn Elford, Melinda Wong, Lucy Xie, Angela Yu
Production Team Conservatory Dance Fellows
Michelle McLaughlin since 2013 - Associate Director of Student LearningConservatory of the Arts K-12 Director of Dance - DT IV/IVH, Vivid
Dance Faculty
Kara Richey since 2020 - DT I/HH I, HH II/III/III H
Nigel Shum since 2018 - JH Elements of Hip Hop, JH The Crew, JH Elements of Dance Technique
Megan Stagi since 2023 - DT II/III/III H, JH Dance for Stage, JH The Company, Vivid
Production Support by Cathy Lapore, Yolanda Williams, and Tami Smorynski
Colette Evans since 2012 - Dance Arts Administrator, Elementary Dance Faculty, Vivid Dance Team Coach
Michael Villegas Minhui Bartles Rayne Johnson Reallyn Helmke Ruhi Kalambur
Sophia Grabinger Zali Smallcombe
Zara Smallcombe
AFFIRMING THE ARTS Spring 2025
Jan 18..................................... West Coast Elite Dance Competition - HS Dance
Mar 6-8.................................... 13-15 Rock of Ages: Teen Edition - HS Theatre
Mar 19...................................... Faith, Hope, and Love - JH/HS Choirs
Mar 28..................................... Serenade to Spring - JH/HS Strings
Apr 3....................................... Percussion Extravaganza - JH Drums/HS Percussion
Apr 3-5................................... Seussical Jr. - JH Theatre
Apr
Apr 24-26...............................
May 1-3................................... Experiments in Comedy & Tragedy - HS Theatre
May 5-16................................. Art Show - EL Art
May 7-14.................................
May 13.....................................
May 16-17................................
May 19.....................................
May 20....................................
May 22-24..............................
WARRIOR FUND
Tuition funds operations. Philanthropy fuels vision. Every gift makes a difference, so please consider donating to the Warrior Fund today.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring 2026
Join us for our annual Quest Ball dinner and auction. Enjoy a night to honor and celebrate the Warrior legacy, raise essential funds, and make a difference for students through financial assistance. vcs.net/questball
May 2026
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
Wherever you may be, we’re always here to support our amazing alumni like you.
As you continue to make a positive difference in communities around the world, we want to stay connected! We currently have twenty-nine ambassadors all over the country that have connected with fellow alums near them. This past year we have visited eleven cities across the US and look forward to hosting an alumni dinner near you soon. Simply scan the QR code and fill out our “Alumni Connect Form” to stay updated on news and events. Let us know about where you’ve been, where you’re headed and stay connected with us today!
Giving PLANNED
The Shechem Oak Society empowers our community to make an extraordinary impact on future generations. The society comprises all who generously bequeath legacy gifts to Valley Christian Schools.
God assured Abraham of keeping His promise to grant the land to Abraham’s descendants. Shechem holds a significant place in this narrative—it’s where Jacob excavated a well and erected an altar, where Joseph’s family laid his remains to rest, where Joshua delivered his parting words in service to the Lord, and where Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well (Genesis 12:6, 33:18, Joshua 24:26, John 4:12). Shechem stands as a powerful symbol of God’s faithfulness across generations. We fervently pray that VCS, like Shechem, will serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness in Silicon Valley and worldwide.
At a time when many American educational institutions are straying from biblical values, you can ensure that Valley Christian Schools continues its Quest for Excellence™ for future generations. Join us in providing high-quality Christ-centered education to our children and grandchildren by including VCS in your will.
VCS partners with Thompson & Associates to offer confidential and complimentary estate planning consultations to our board members, administrators, faculty, staff, and community. Join my wife, Kris, myself, and others in discovering the most tax-efficient means of transferring your estate to benefit your family and your passions.
As a trusted member of our VCS community, please accept our gift to you and arrange your estate planning consultation with Darren Penny of Thompson & Associates. You may email advancement@vcs.net or call my office at 408-513-2503. If you have already included VCS in your planned giving, kindly inform us so we may include you in our Shechem Oak Society.
Looking forward,
Clifford E. Daugherty, Ed.D. President
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
