Arcadia High School (AHS)’s Dance Department brought its annual Charity Dance Show to life on Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Orchesis Dance Company performed on stage alongside the Beginning and Intermediate Dance classes, First Avenue Middle School, and Foothills Middle School in the Performing Arts Center (PAC).
The show raised money for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest mental health organization, helping to support and advocate for those battling such issues.
An opening Christmas performance by Orchesis to the song “Christmas C’mon” by Lindsey Stirling stole everyone’s attention with its lively moves and upbeat music. To officially kick off the show, Mr. Matthew Woodin gave a warm welcome to the audience.
Intermediate Dance Period 2 took the stage with their song “On the Floor” by Jennifer Lopez, which lit up the crowd with excitement. Behind them was Beginning Dance Period 3 with “Summer Baby” by Jonas Brothers.
“Moving my way through the Charity Show, I found myself attempting to make efforts to [improve] on my technique,” said Intermediate Period 2 dancer freshman Keona Hsueh, “My teacher helped point out specific areas for improvements. These critiques allowed me to apply them to my dance.”
Orchesis performed “Lighthouse” by Calum Scott, a song about finding hope in the light of loved ones. The Foothills Drill entered the spotlight afterwards with their flags and shields, dancing to “Break Free” by Ariana Grande. Beginning Dance Period 6 followed with their number “CTRL ALT DELETE” by Rêve, which filled the dance floor with electrifying energy.
After a brief introduction about NAMI, Orchesis brought the PAC to life with “JUMP” by BLACKPINK, followed by Beginning Dance Period 2’s “Wings” by Little Mix.
First Avenue Dance class performed “The Feels” by TWICE, followed by Orchesis’ “The End of Love” by Florence + The Machine. Beginning Dance Period 5 transported us back to the ‘80s with their piece “Little Party” by Fergie. Next, Foothills Dance class took the stage before Orchesis’ “Mood Swings” by Mario.
Beginning Dance Period 4’s vibrant performance to “Sax” by Fleur East uplifted each audience member and Intermediate Dance Period 3’s “Got It In You” by Banners balanced the effect with its emotional essence.
The night ended with a beautifully haunting performance filled with a final burst of energy and lights by Orchesis to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.”
“I’m really happy with how this year’s charity show turned out; it honestly couldn’t have gone better,” said Orchesis President senior Kathleen Kwan. “This ended up being my favorite and last charity show. The dances were definitely challenging this year, and we explored more ways to interact with the audience, especially through the props.”
The Charity Show was a big hit, and was well received by the audience and dancers alike.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DCI
