DANCE-O-LOGY XVII wows with powerful performances

Story and photos by Deanna Bertrand

Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School dancers were finally able to take to the stage and perform three sold-out shows for a total of 1,200 family members and friends last week for Dance-o-logy XVII. The dance show, directed and created by CC dance teacher Ms. Maggy Sonoski, had been put on hold since 2019 due to the pandemic but was back this year with 127 dancers from Cardinal Carter, its alumni and feeder schools of St. Louis and St. John De Brebeuf.

Sonoski said the community support for Dance-o-logy was overwhelming.

“Students and I are elated to be back doing what we love,” she said. “But the beauty of the program goes beyond the greatest jete or pirouette. It’s about who they are as committed and kind individuals. I am proud to teach them.”

Sonoski said the finale was filled with tears as dancers were sad it was all over.

“The COVID hiatus really affected them and to see them be able to shine again on that stage was something else,” she commented.

“This is not a dance recital,” she added. “This is a show packed with meaning and messages. Unless you’re in attendance, it’s hard to describe the energy and deep feeling that’s alive in that auditorium.”

Creativity, artistry, talent and skill were displayed in two dozen performances by junior, senior and alumni dancers during the show.

Sonoski’s students focused on many world issues, from poverty and homelessness to death and loss, that were all showcased and expressed through dance along with witty, comedic expressions of being controlled by cell phones, fashion, coffee, greed and more.

A special emotional song written and sung by Malia Afonso called Don’t Let Go was performed by the senior dancers and choreographed by Jillian Mastronardi, Anika Blommaert and Ms. Sonoski. Another crowd favourite was a heartfelt number about the loss of a loved one entitled The Last Goodbye, choreographed by 14-year-old Grace Sonoski.

Coffee in a Cardboard Cup performed by Senior Dance Academy students.

CC Dance team member Jillian Mastronardi leaps through the air in a choreographed number about “the chase for the bag.”

Dancers perform a number entitled The Greatest Show.

CC Junior dancers perform a number reflecting poverty and homelessness.