Under the stage lights of the Garland Theater, Upper School dancers in the 2024 Fall Dance Concert, Epiphany, created a mesmerizing blend of artistry, emotion and movement that left the audience breathless.
Premiering before winter break on Thursday, Nov. 21, the highly anticipated performance, led by Performing Arts teacher Danielle Pigneri, featured the incredible talent of all four levels of Poly’s Upper School dance program. The concert was a striking blend of contemporary, modern, lyrical, hip-hop and ballet—each piece leaving its own unique imprint on the audience.
For example, the high energy “Desperado” routine emanated a confident aura, whereas the delicate dance “hope ur ok” evoked nostalgia and vulnerability. Similarly, the upbeat hip-hop dance “BO$$” filled the audience with excitement and enthusiasm, while the contemporary piece “9 to 5” conveyed the struggles of working around the clock. Each piece demonstrated not only technical skill but also emotional depth, highlighting the dancers’ extraordinary range and versatility.
A core value of the Upper School Dance Program is student creativity and choreography, so many upperclassmen, under Pigneri’s instruction, use this opportunity to imprint their own personalities and thoughts into their pieces. This year, 11 students choreographed pieces: seniors Shawn Dahiyat, Ani Hovsepyan, Ashley Kim, Charlotte McDonald, Hampton Persaud, Catie Sabbag, Lillian Shamamian and Megan Wang and juniors Ginny Cheung, Catherine McFarlane and Hera Yuan. Each piece was infused with the personality of the choreographer, adding to the emotional authenticity and artistic expression conveyed through the dances. For instance, the dance “BO$$,” choreographed by Kim, featured challenging isolations and rhythms while maintaining a playful, empowering mood.
Beyond its technical excellence, Epiphany became a transformative experience for the dancers themselves.
McDonald, who choreographed the piece “Cassandra,” reflected on how participating in the show led to the growth of the dancers: “The show influences the accountability and responsibility of each individual within the program. I feel like I became a leader in my own right in this program.”
In the end, Epiphany emphasized the transformative power of art, resilience, and community.
“I thought it [Epiphany] was a great way to bring a bit of joy to the Poly community,” said McDonald. “People kept saying that they loved the show, and I am so grateful to have been a part of such an amazing dance program and community.”
