Dance students come together for winter showcase "Dancers Unite"

On Dec. 6 and 7, Samo dance students performed in the Dance Winter Showcase: “Dancers Unite." The showcase celebrated differences by demonstrating how dancing is a way for people to connect, be inspired and work together to create something beautiful no matter where they come from or how many similarities they do or do not share.“The showcase shows how different people can work together, achieve common goals and dance together like a family,” Samo dance coach, Nicole Green said.Students who performed in the showcase have been preparing in class since October, practicing their routines on a daily basis. The dancers, with wide ranges of experience, have all improved immensely through their time in Samo’s dance program.The goal of the program is to teach students dance history, appreciation, production staging and lighting in addition to various dance styles themselves. Green takes pride in her dancers and all that they have learned and accomplished throughout the year.“I am so proud of each dancer. We have worked hard to get here...let’s enjoy our moment and make the best of it!” Green said.The dancers were very pleased with their performances and loved getting to see what others had worked so hard on. Second year Samo dancer, Roxy Ong (’20) never fails to be amazed by the talent she is surrounded by in the program, and the improvement that takes place throughout the  year. “My favorite part about being in the showcase is the first tech rehearsal we have with dancers in each level. Everyone is always super excited to see what the other classes bring to the table, and the environment of everyone cheering each other on is like none other,” Ong said. “The showcases are a great reflection of every dancer’s improvement. The difference between us from winter to spring showcase is shocking.”Being supported by other dancers is an extremely important part of the program, and helps students to feel connected. Nicole Thomson (’21) is very grateful for the friendships she has made through the program and the growth in self-confidence they have helped to build.“I’ve made so many new friends through this program and it feels like we’re all one big family. I’ve learned to not be afraid to express myself and not hold back on doing what I love,” Thomson said.