Performing Arts

Annual Spring Dance Concert Celebrates a Year of Accomplishment

The Magnificat Dance Team and Magnificat High School Dance Training Company returned to the stage in the Center for the Performing Arts for the annual Dance Concert.

In mid-May, Magnificat’s Dance Team and Dance Training Company took the stage for the annual spring dance concert to showcase the talent that earned the Dance Program yet another season of awards. The theme of the concert was Bloom—a reflection of the hopeful spirit of this year’s dancers who persevered through pandemic challenges to achieve national champion recognition on the competition circuit yet again. "When we started last June, the uncertainty of the season even happening amidst the pandemic was overwhelming," said Director of Dance Jill Haller. "We accomplished things that seemed impossible this year, regardless of the pandemic." At the conclusion of the season, the Dance Team had earned 19 individual and team awards and $20,000 in scholarships from four separate competitions this year—three that were virtual and one that was held in-person with COVID-19 regulations in place. Varsity Dance member Megan Walsh ’21 said, “This year’s dance concert was one of pure joy, artistry, community, love of dance, and the best way to end my senior year. To me it meant getting to dance with the girls who have become my second family and taking the stage—doing what I love most, at Magnificat, one last time.” For Dance Training Company member Shekinah Crawford ’21, the performance was “a time to celebrate all of our accomplishments over the year!” Bravo to all Magnificat dancers whose talent and hard work made this season such a success!

Cabaret Brings New Tradition to Performing Arts

While measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 meant that Magnificat’s annual fall musical and spring play could not take place as planned, the challenge brought the advent of a new production to the Magnificat stage—the “Quarantine Cabaret”. Since members of the wider community are traditionally invited to be part of the cast and crew of each Magnificat play, the Performing Arts Department developed programs that would still allow students to hone and exhibit their talents in productions that would not require on-campus guests. In April, 25 performers and crew members shared their talents in singing, dancing, drama, lighting, and sound for a small, sociallydistanced audience gathered in person while members of the broader community tuned in via livestream. Nour Lashin ’21 sang in two performances that evening. “Performing in the Cabaret allowed me to feel a part of something meaningful. For me, performing on stage gave me a chance to sing from my heart and feel the emotions of each song. Creating new bonds and friendships throughout rehearsals and being able to collaborate with one another even during COVID was a blessing and I am more grateful than ever to have been able to perform for the Magnificat community,” she reflected. Varsity Dance Team member Kayla Bucci ’21 also performed in two pieces, one of which was self-choreographed. After the show, she said, “Being part of the Cabaret was such a special experience because I was able to have a lot of creative freedom, and it was rewarding to collaborate with my peers to help create a cohesive show that highlighted all of our diverse talents. Overall, I think I can speak for everyone when I say it was so exciting to finally get back on stage in front of an audience and do what we love!"

Students’ enthusiastic participation in the Cabaret this year has inspired the Performing Arts Department to officially add the show to the annual lineup of Magnificat stage productions for the 2021-2022 school year.