DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Welcome to our Emotions Student Choreography Dance Concert , a performance inspired by the joyful spirit of Sitcoms, where everyday moments become memorable stories. Much like a great sitcom, tonight’s show is built on collaboration, creativity, and a cast of unique personalities coming together to create something special.
This production is entirely driven by our students. From the first spark of an idea to the final bow, they have taken on the responsibility of creating, planning, and producing each piece you will see tonight. Our student choreographers carefully selected music, developed concepts, crafted choreography, organized rehearsals, and worked closely with their fellow dancers to bring their visions to life. Every routine represents hours of dedication, problem-solving, teamwork, and artistic growth.
Behind the scenes, students have also contributed to the full production process, considering staging, transitions, storytelling, and how each dance fits into the overall flow of the concert. Like episodes in a sitcom, each piece has its own style, characters, and message, while together they form one cohesive evening of entertainment and expression.
At the heart of this work is the understanding that creativity itself 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 it, share it, and use it to uplift others. Through the art of dance, our students participate in that act of creation, transforming ideas into movement and stories into living expressions.
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 watch tonight’s performances, we invite you to celebrate not only the final product on stage, but also the hard work, leadership, and commitment that made this production possible.
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.
• COURAGE – Sharing our creativity boldly and authentically.
• SACRIFICE – Serving our community and audiences through the gift of dance.
Thank you for supporting these young artists and for being part of an evening that celebrates creativity, dedication, and the joy of bringing stories to life through dance.
Peace & Love.
Michelle McLaughlin, K-12 Director of Dance
PRESENTS
DIRECTED BY MICHELLE
MCLAUGHLIN
ASSISTANT DIRECTING TEAM COLETTE EVANS, KARA RICHEY, NIGEL SHUM, MEGAN STAGI
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR JASON KUZIA
LIGHTING DESIGNER JASON KUZIA AND LIGHT TOUCH ENTERTAINMENT CREW
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AVALENNE DELKE (’24)
PROJECTIONIST ALLISON ZHONG
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR OLIVER KAELIN (’25)
STAGE MANAGER NEHA SUBHASH
COSTUME CONSULTANT COLETTE EVANS
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS/BACK STAGE MANAGERS MIA DOURSOUNIAN, BRAYDEN HATLO PORTER
VIDEOGRAPHY AND PHOTOGRAPHY ALPHA GRIT CREATIVES
SOUND BOARD OPERATOR HANNAH BALOG*
LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR ANVI GOEL
STAGEHANDS AYDEN BABISH, AASHNA MAHATO
COMMERCIAL EDITING CAT SANDOVAL*
SENIOR SLIDE SHOW NORA GARLICK
PRODUCTION/HOUSE MANAGER COLETTE EVANS
PRODUCTION SUPPORT CATHY LAPORE, ALLISON RODERICK, KIM (WILLIAMS ’02) VOYLES, YOLANDA WILLIAMS
*Conservatory Honors Fellow
SHOW ORDER
SITCOMS
A girl is sitting in her living room watching her favorite sitcoms on TV, when she gets pulled into the sitcom world. She meets all kinds of characters from famous sitcoms such as The Office, The Truman Show, SpongeBob, and more, experiencing their humor, conflicts, and dynamics. We wanted to incorporate everyone in the show in our dance, tell a story with various sitcom characters, and bring the audience into the sitcom world while capturing the energy and variety of the entire show.
Music: “There She Goes” by The La’s
“
Family Matters – Single” (In the Style of TV Themes) [Performance Track with Demonstration Vocals] by Done Again
Choreographed by Dylan Chang, Reallyn Helmke*, and Ruhi Kalambur
Danced by The Full Emotions Cast
THE OFFICE
“I knew exactly what to do. But in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do.” – Michael Scott
We all discover our community in different places, whether that’s at school, dance, or the workplace. While The Office focuses on the unique connections and relationships that arise in an unconventional community, it also highlights the hard, but necessary, lesson of letting go of the people, places, and memories that make up a core part of our lives to grow in our personal journey.
Music: “Ribs” by Lorde
Choreographed by Ava Suzuki* and Diana Zhang
Danced by Dylan Chang, Allison Chen*, Ashlee Concepcion, Kendra Haghighi, Madeleine Jackson, Eric Jia, Daphne Leach, Darcey McCarley, Milah Petros, Ameera Salameh, Julie Shi, Isabelle Stork, Ava Suzuki*, Jasmine Wu
THE ADDAMS FAMILY
“Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly.” – Morticia Addams
Through dramatic movement and intensity, I hope this dance shows the beauty of being unapologetically different.
Music: “Dracula” by Labrinth
Choreographed by Nora Garlick, Hailey Mac, and Cat Sandoval*
Danced by Lexi Espinosa, Nora Garlick, Junior Lomeli, Hailey Mac, Cat Sandoval*, Amerys Seegars, Amber Shi, Kensey Sponseller, Lillian Zhong, Aileen Zhu
THE TRUMAN SHOW
“Was nothing real?” – Truman Burbank
The Truman Show explores the desire for truth, freedom, and authenticity. Although stepping into your own truth is terrifying, it is just as transformative. The concept is unique for a classic sitcom, yet the plot is very intriguing.
Music: “Truman Sleeps” by Philip Glass
Choreographed by Ashlee Concepcion and Aria Liu
Danced by Dylan Chang, Allison Chen*, Ashlee Concepcion, Sophia Grabinger, Ruhi Kalambur, Darcey McCarley, Milah Petros, Ameera Salameh, Makena Suekawa, Ava Suzuki*, Caitlin Tsang, Emily Wan
WANDAVISION
“We are an unusual couple, you know?” – Wanda
We chose WandaVision because it explores themes of love and grief and the boundary between reality and fantasy. It shows themes from different decades and time periods. The characters create an idyllic world but beneath the surface someone has been controlling the narrative. “In a real magic act, everything is fake.”
Music: “A Newlywed Couple” by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
“We Got Something Cooking” by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Elyse Willis, Laura Dickinson, Eric Bradley, Gerald White
“Unwelcome Visitor” by Christophe Beck
“Agatha All Along” by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Kathryn Hahn, Eric Bradley, Greg Whipple, Jasper Randall, Gerald White
Choreographed by Annie Li and Emily Wan
Danced by Amelia Beiter, Abby Bendemire, Katie Bowers, Anh Cao, Madison (Mika) Ching, JennaLy Fangonilo, Reallyn Helmke*, XiWen Hu, Annie Li, Kavya Nambiar, Belle Stork, Alexis Vander Veen, Chloe Vartanian, Emily Wan, Hailey Wong
COMMERCIAL BREAK
IDHARKUTHANE AASAIPATTAI
BALAKUMARA (ISN’T THIS WHAT YOU WISHED FOR, BALAKUMARA?)
“I’m not a stalker; I’m just a very dedicated admirer.” – Anonymous
Music: “En Veetula (In My House)” by Gana Bala and Siddharth Vipin
Choreographed by Harshitha Rajavetrivel Kanagaraj
Danced by Abby Bendemire, Katie Bowers, Mia Carbajal, Dylan Chang, Amy Chen, Allison Cung, Hongyao Fan, JennaLy Fangonilo, Rehat Gill, Harshitha Rajavetrivel Kanagaraj, Fiona Lee, Kavya Nambiar, Mia Patel, Amber Shi, Alice Shuldiakova, Varan Verma
SCRUBS
Scrubs showcases both humor and emotional struggles, especially how people can get stuck in their own thoughts. I want to express the thoughts and struggles that play out in our minds as we navigate life. “Nothing worth having in this world comes easy.” This reflects how challenges help us grow.
Music: “Heart of Glass (Crabtree remix)” by Blondie
Choreographed by Elaine Wang
Danced by Sophia Grabinger, Caitlin Tsang, Elaine Wang, Chloe Zhong*, Lillian Zhong
THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR
“This is a job for… Sherlock Homeboy.” – Will Smith
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a classic sitcom that focuses on being different and embracing it in a fun way. In this dance, Will leaves his home in West Philadelphia to go to Bel-Air and recognizes his differences. Through comedy and charm, Will finds his place and finally feels welcomed.
Music: “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
“Jump” by Kris Kross
“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) [feat. Freedom Williams]” by C&C Music Factory, Freedom Williams
Choreographed by Makena Suekawa
Danced by Carter Bosso, Anh Cao, Claire Choi, Nora Garlick, Ruhi Kalambur, Fiona Lee, Melody Leong, Junior Lomeli, Hailey Mac, Darcey McCarley, Ameera Salameh, Makena Suekawa, Ava Suzuki*, Hailey Wong
FRIENDS
The Friends sitcom demonstrates the emotions of life that many people can relate to. Underneath the humor, the show highlights the emotional aspect of how people rely on their chosen family during major life changes. I want to convey this emotional core and the idea that home is found in people.
Music: “Home - 2019 Remaster” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Choreographed by Sophia Grabinger
Danced by Dylan Chang, Jordyn Elford*, Sophia Grabinger, Caitlin Tsang, Elaine Wang, Chloe Zhong*
Understudies: Allison Chen*, Reallyn Helmke*
I LOVE LUCY
“Lucy, I’m home!” – Ricky Ricardo
I Love Lucy is a dreamy and bright sitcom in which the world lets us explore the strength of friendship and the emotional labor hidden beneath perfection. I Love Lucy explores the ups and downs of life and the importance of navigating through its challenges with an attitude that everything will work out in the end. Ricky Ricardo: “I can’t afford it.” Lucy Ricardo: “Those must have been the first English words you learned.”
Music: “Smile” by Nat King Cole
Choreographed and danced by Ruhi Kalambur and Darcey McCarley
BUSINESS PROPOSAL
“If this isn’t a dream, there’s no way you would come running to take care of me.” – Shin Hari
Music: “Love, Maybe” by Melomance
“Pretty U” by Seventeen
Choreographed by Claire Choi, Zeruiah (Hyehyang) Kim, Melody Leong, Aileen Zhu
Danced by Anh Cao, Claire Choi, Nora Garlick, Sophia Grabinger, Roger He, Julia Lee, Melody Leong, Cat Sandoval*, Chloe Vartanian, Bryant Wang, Elaine Wang, Aileen Zhu
Understudy: Zeruiah (Hyehyang) Kim
GIRL MEETS WORLD
“You don’t lose your past; It becomes part of you.”- Shawn Hunter
Girl Meets World, specifically the Girl Meets Pluto episode, is relatable to everyone. The story is about growing up, reflecting, and remembering the past as well as an emotion.
Music: “Rivers and Roads” by The Head and the Heart
Choreographed by Eric Jia and Lillian Zhong
Danced by Kayla Ahn, Katie Bowers, Mia Carbajal, Amy Chen, Madison (Mika) Ching, Arden Gatewood, Kendra Haghighi, Analise Jackson, Maddie Jackson, Daphne Leach, Alexis Nauck, Lillian Zhong
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
“If you believe in yourself and with a tiny pinch of magic, all of your dreams can come true” – SpongeBob
SpongeBob has been my favorite show my whole life. I hope his message of unwavering kindness and positivity can shine through in my dance as I bring those wavy, ocean-chill vibes to life, while also portraying the comedy and humor that made me fall in love with the show.
Music: “Agua” by J Balvin and Tainy
Choreographed by Nora Garlick
Danced by Claire Choi, Jordyn Elford*, Nora Garlick, Julia Lee, Melody Leong, Alisha Raman, Cat Sandoval*, Amber Shi, Ava Suzuki*, Caitlin Tsang, Chloe Vartanian, Emily Wan, Aileen Zhu
COMMERCIAL BREAK
MODERN FAMILY
“Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” – Phil Dunphy
Modern Family is funny but also shows real family problems. Every family is different and with that comes drama, but they all love each other regardless. The different dynamics and conflicts between the families ultimately bring them together in the end.
Music: “In the Moonlight” by Modern family character Dylan
“On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons
“Home” by Phillip Phillips
Choreographed by Jordyn Elford* and Julie Shi
Danced by Amelia Beiter, Katie Bowers, Anh Cao, Madison (Mika) Ching, Jordyn Elford*, JennaLy Fangonilo, Amerys Seegars, Julie Shi, Chloe Vartanian
GILMORE GIRLS
“Coffee, coffee, coffee.” – Lorelai Gilmore
Music: “Where You Lead, I Will Follow” by Carole King featuring Louise Goffin
Choreographed by Allison Chen*
Danced by Allison Chen*, Kendra Haghighi, Reallyn Helmke*, XiWen Hu, Eric Jia, Daphne Leach, Hailey Mac, Amber Shi, Emily Wan, Lillian Zhong
SENIOR SLIDE SHOW
PHINEAS & FERB
“Carpe Diem! Sieze the day!” – Phineas
Phineas and Ferb is a sitcom that contains a lot of complex characters that each represent sparks of creativity, adventure, and optimism. This show tells how every individual’s personality and strengths can complement each other no matter what weakness lies within the day or within us. Working together creates a balance. Beneath the stress of life, friendships will always be a part of our strength that helps us seize the day. The show’s creativity is infinite, and every situation is so funny. The characters and different stories within each episode bring everything to life. Join us for the ride. “A platypus? … PERRY THE PLATYPUS!?”
Music: “Today is Gonna be a Great Day (Theme Song to Phineas and Ferb)” by Bowling for Soup
“Busted” by Ashley Tisdale and Olivia Olson
“Perry the Platypus - Extended Version” by Randy Crenshaw
“Gitchee Gitchee Goo” by Phineas and the Ferbtones
Choreographed by Cat Sandoval* and Makena Suekawa
Danced by Carter Bosso, Dylan Chang, Lexi Espinosa, Hongyao Fan, Nora Garlick, Roger He, Ruhi Kalambur, Junior Lomeli, Hailey Mac, Darcey McCarley, Cat Sandoval*, Julie Shi, Makena Suekawa, Ava Suzuki*, Caitlin Tsang, Alexis Vander Veen, Varan Verma, Bryant Wang, Lillian Zhong
CHOREOGRAPHERS
DANCE FACULTY
Michelle McLaughlin (since 2013) – Associate Director of Student Learning –Conservatory of the Arts K-12 Director of Dance – DT IV (H), Vivid
Kara Richey (since 2020) – DT I/II/III/III (H), HH I/II/III
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
Dylan Chang Allison Chen*
Claire Choi Ashlee Concepcion Jordyn Elford*
Nora Garlick
Sophia Grabinger
Reallyn Helmke*
Eric Jia Ruhi Kalambur
Annie Li Aria Liu
Melody Leong
Hailey Mac Harshitha Kanagaraj
Darcey McCarley Cat Sandoval*
Julie Shi
Ava Suzuki* Makena Suekawa
Emily Wan Elaine Wang
Diana Zhang
Lillian Zhong
Aileen Zhu
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
8MINUTES LEFT
hat if you only had… by E.B. LEE
APRIL30, MAY 1, MAY2|6PM
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.
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
April 25, 2026
Join us for the “Warrior Celebration: Honoring the past. Inspiring the future.” a community event spanning multiple generations, celebrating God’s faithfulness and the profound impact of Christ-centered education on thousands of lives. This semi-formal evening will feature student-led experiences and performances, mocktails, appetizers, dinner, a silent auction, and opportunities to connect with our vibrant community. vcs.net/warriorcelebration
May 11, 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 Thank
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
