BEHIND the choreography…

Meet Priyanka Chiguluri ’23

Senior Priyanka Chiguluri started dancing in the 8th grade at Harpeth Hall and has not stopped since. As the president and co-founder of the Current History Club, editor-in-chief of Logos, and member of clubs such as BELONG, Confidence Club, Hiking Club, Ambassadors, Public Purpose, and Global Scholars, Priyanka always strives for excellence whether in class, extracurricular activities, or on the stage. In the 2022 fall dance concert, the audience watched Priyanka leaping across the Frances Bond Davis Theatre as she not only performed in numbers staged by Harpeth Hall staff but also choreographed several dances for herself and her peers.

What do you like most about being on stage?

I love sharing our work with the community. I believe that dance is an art, and I love when our dances make the audience feel something. I also love getting to dance with the most incredible community. We work so hard together, and the support we have for each other during our concerts is so special.

What is exciting about choreographing a new dance number?

To me, choreography is a form of storytelling, and I love watching pieces that I’ve choreographed come to life. For the fall 2022 concert, I choreographed a trio for myself, Caroline Seehorn ’23, and Luca Cyr ’23, and a solo for myself. Choreographing the trio was one of the best experiences I’ve had because I got to work with two amazing dancers who were open-minded and excited to try new things. The trio also gave me the opportunity to truly see my choreography performed by others through videos of the three of us and watching Luca and Caroline during rehearsal, and it was so cool to watch the piece come together and tell a story.

Do you plan on continuing to dance after you graduate from Harpeth Hall this spring?

I plan to continue to dance after Harpeth Hall. Looking at dance opportunities has been an important part of my college process, and I hope to at least minor in dance at college. I also hope to join dance clubs/a company/team and/or dance at nearby studios depending on where I go. I really hope that dance will be a part of my future.

Student Spotlight

On stage with . . . Ruby Wolter ’23

Senior Ruby Wolter has been performing since she was 5 years old, starring in musicals at her church. At Harpeth Hall, she is the president of the Playmakers club, an Honor Council representative, co-captain of Angkor, and president of the Chamber Choir and Rolling Tones a capella group. During Winterim 2022, Ruby completed an independent study of musical theatre that culminated in a trip to New York City. She is currently in the process of auditioning for over 20 colleges to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre.

How did your independent study during Winterim inspire you?

In New York City, I took classes at Broadway Dance Center, saw Broadway shows, took private lessons from Broadway performers, and experienced the city that I plan on pursuing a career in after college. On this trip, I learned so much about myself and my craft and was even able to film some summer program auditions with my coaches. I also made a wonderful connection with the company Musical Theatre College Audition (MTCA), which I am still working with to this day. Being fully immersed in the life of an actress in New York City was an eye-opening experience as I realized how difficult, but worthwhile, the career I want to pursue can be. I now know that there is no other way that I want to spend my life, and I am so grateful for my Winterim experience.

What are the most challenging aspects and the most rewarding aspects of performing?

The most rewarding aspect of performing, for me, is the joy that radiates from the stage and is shared with the audience. Performing is challenging because the work is difficult, the rehearsals are long, and every day you have to be ready to be your most vulnerable self in front of a lot of people. I have found this to be true in both Dance Company and theatre at Harpeth Hall. What I love so much about the arts is that with every production I am a part of, I meet amazing people who have a huge impact on me. My biggest inspiration when it comes to performing is the recently retired Stephanie Hamilton. Ms. Hammy saw my love for the stage and taught me how to be a storyteller through my lyrics and actions. There is no one that radiates a love for the performing arts like Ms. Hammy, and I strive to be just like her and have an impact on those around me.