“Away” dance concert poster designed by Summer Park.
Rugby Theater transformed into a portal of imagination March 6 and 7 as Harvard-Westlake Upper School’s Dance Program presented its annual Dance Concert.
As a dancer in this year’s performance, I experienced firsthand how the performance carried audiences across fictional worlds, emotional landscapes, and powerful human stories. Being part of the concert allowed me to witness not only the final performance, but also the collaboration and growth that shaped it.
The theme of the concert was “Away,” and the performance unfolded as an immersive journey.
The concert transported viewers through imagined planets like Asasum, Chronnuveer, and Trijova, alongside solos, duets, and ensemble works showcasing original choreography and individuality.
Ethan Chen, left, and Elsa Cheng, right, lift Jojo Gott in “Dreaming Between Worlds.” (Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monroe)
Students ranging from sophomores to seniors participated in this year’s performance. In my experience, what made the concert especially meaningful was the strong sense of community that developed during rehearsals. Long hours in the studio fostered not only technical growth but also deepened friendships, creating an atmosphere of mutual support and shared purpose.
From left to right: Sacha Wiley, Kayla Lee, Elise Kennedy, Leila Sarris, and Jojo Gott perform “Popular-Ha!” (Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monroe)
Sophomore Jojo Gott reflected, “The amount of dances I was in was challenging at first, but my friends in the show constantly supported me and helped me feel confident in the end result.”
The full cast performs the opening number, “Ghana: Memories in Motion.” (Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monroe)
A standout feature of this year’s concert was its emphasis on cultural expression.
Ms. Queala Clancy, director of the Upper School Dance Program, opened the performance with “Ghana: Memories in Motion.” Accompanied by live drumming from musical guest Michael Knight, the piece carried a powerful rhythmic intensity. Inspired by her journey to Ghana, the choreography drew on movement shaped by her experiences abroad, with projected visuals providing context for the audience.
Musical guest Michael Knight accompanies the opening piece with live drumming. (Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monroe)
Another defining aspect of the concert was the prominence of student choreography. More than half of the pieces performed were student-created works, highlighting the program’s commitment to artistic exploration and student voice. I contributed a solo, “Again, I Dream,” as well as a duet, “What I Couldn’t Touch.”
Summer Park performs her solo, “Again, I Dream.” (Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monroe)
Gott also commented on her experience of choreographing her group piece “Growth”: “The process of choreographing my group piece taught me how important it is to understand what type of dancers you’re working with.”
From left to right: Vicki Yu, Jojo Gott, Summer Park, Ethan Chen, and Elsa Cheng in “Growth.” (Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monroe)
Similarly, sophomore Elsa Cheng, who choreographed a solo titled “3-Dimensional,” shared, “I really enjoyed performing and stepping out of my comfort zone while learning something new.”
Elsa Cheng performs her solo, “3-Dimensional.” (Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monroe)
Vicki Yu performs her solo, “Under the Stars.” (Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monroe)
The finale, ”Enjoy!” choreographed by senior Ethan Chen, fused J-pop with ballet and contemporary styles, drawing from his Japanese heritage. Set to the upbeat “Hai Yorokonde,” the piece radiated infectious joy.
“I wanted the dance to look so fun that the audience would feel jealous and wish they were on stage with us,” Chen said.
His choreography captured the spirit of “Away” through its celebration of individuality, energy, and connection.
Jojo Gott prepares to perform a split in “Enjoy!”. (Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monroe)
On Friday night, the concert concluded with a heartfelt gathering led by Ms. Clancy, featuring a slideshow and Q&A. Audience members engaged with dancers about the creative process, while dancers shared affirmations, reinforcing the strong bonds formed throughout the experience.
Summer Park responds to a question during the Q&A session. (Photo courtesy of Nicolas Monroe)
Despite the intensity of rehearsals, moments of humor helped sustain morale. One recurring joke among dancers was the “six-seven” meme, raising both hands to reference the concert dates March 6 and 7, which became a lighthearted ritual during long rehearsals.
Cheng said, “I loved spending time with all my dancers and those shared moments made the whole experience even more special.”
Ultimately, the “Away” Concert was more than a performance. It was a collective journey of growth, where we pushed our artistic boundaries and strengthened the relationships that made the experience unforgettable. Being part of it showed me how much I’ve grown, both as a dancer and as a member of this community.
