On Tuesday, April 21, the STA theater came alive with energy, music, and movement as students took the stage for the annual Spring Dance Concert. With two back-to-back performances at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the night showcased not only technical skill but also the passion and creativity of STA’s dancers.
The first show featured students from Dance Techniques, who performed twelve unique routines that highlighted a range of styles and emotions. Later in the evening, the second performance brought even more excitement, combining dancers from Technique, Choreography, and the Dance Company for an impressive lineup of twenty routines. Each piece told its own story, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
Behind the scenes, students dedicated hours of rehearsal to perfect their performances, practicing in the theater on both Monday and Tuesday leading up to the show. That preparation paid off, as the dancers delivered confident and expressive routines on stage.
For many performers, the experience was about more than just dancing. Junior Milan Andrews, a member of Dance Techniques, shared, “My favorite part of the show was dancing with my friends, and connecting with them made the show fun.” Moments like these reflected the strong sense of community within the program.
The concert would not have been possible without the dedication of choreographer Ms. Maria Virginio. Known for her creativity and commitment, she spends countless hours developing choreography and working with students after school. Beyond her talent, she fosters a positive and encouraging environment that allows dancers to grow both on and off the stage.
Equally essential to the performance was the technical crew, led by Technical Director Xander Snell and his Technical Theater class. From lighting and sound to filming and curtain control, the team managed every detail of the production. “We set up the theater and lighting before Easter break and spent two weeks writing lighting cues for the show,” Snell explained.
Their role required precision and focus, especially as dancers moved quickly across the stage. Camera operators worked to capture every moment, while lighting technicians ensured that each routine was enhanced by perfectly timed cues. “For the lighting, live elements were added to trigger the lighting to match dancer positions on stage,” Snell added.
The production also incorporated advanced technology, including four cameras that streamed the performance live to TVs in the lobby and backstage. A new wireless intercom system, used alongside the wired ClearCom, allowed crew members to communicate seamlessly while moving throughout the theater.
From the performers on stage to the crew behind the scenes, the Spring Dance Concert was a true team effort. The result was a memorable night that highlighted the dedication, talent, and collaboration of the entire STA arts community.
