Gallery • 7 Photos

Playing the part of Sharpay Evans from High school Musical, Sophia Valdez and Dance II perform to “Fabulous” Ryan and the Limbs and Sharpay Evans. Photo by Sofia McMaster.

Since October, Dance II, Dance II Hip-Hop, Dance II/III and Dance IV classes have been preparing for the Advanced Dance Show. The three performances May 20-21 featured 140 students and included jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and lyrical and character dances and featured songs from the 1950’s to 2020. 

Abby Gardner, a senior in Dance IV, performed her last dance on campus at the Advanced Dance Show. 

“My experience has been really bittersweet with all the lasts; the last time choreographing, last time performing, last ‘gimmie I’ll have a quick change’ and last time with all of these people. The Advanced Dance Show has just been such a tradition and thing I’ve known for so long that it’s weird to finally have to say goodbye,” Gardner said. 

On the other hand, Cayla Burks performed at the Advanced Dance Show for the first time and was featured in three dances. 

“It’s been a nervous, but also very exciting experience. My favorite part of the showcase is being with the girls in my dressing room; everyone is so supportive and we have so much fun backstage. There is never a dull moment,” Burks said.

Also a part of the cheer and stunt team, Vicky Hsu performed at the Advanced Dance Show and was featured in six dances; three were hip-hop, one solo, a senior routine and the opener. 

“My favorite part has been the people that surround me. Dance II hip-hop is full of such encouraging people. No matter what’s going on, we cheer and support each other to the point where we have people tell us to stop talking. Everytime before I leave the dressing room they wish me good luck, and everytime I come back they ask me how I did. Some girls have even helped me get dressed when I don’t have much time to change my whole outfit and hair,” Hsu said. 

Performing for his second time, Austin Phung was featured in five dances, all of which were hip-hop. 

Phung said, “Every day has been filled with so much support and good vibes from everyone in the class. This experience has been extremely fun and exciting and it will definitely be something I will miss once a graduate. The bittersweet moments we’ve shared during our last performances will never be forgotten.”