Passion, energy, and heart: a recipe for success at this year’s dance show

There was one major characteristic about this year’s dance show that made it such a success: passion.

“The students put so much passion, energy, and heart into the dance show and it shows. The audience appreciates that and you can tell the dancers are having fun,” said Erika Bromley, English department.

Bromley was the head of dance club and contributed heavily to putting together the dance. The performances of Dance Show 2015: Shake It were self-choreographed by the dancers themselves, said Bromley. There were a variety of dance styles including hip-hop, tap, contemporary, and lyrical. All of these different types of performances showcased each individual’s own passion for the art of dance.

“I felt happy, inspired, and most of all proud of dancing,” said Camille Tolentino, a freshman at HEHS.

As a member freshman member of dance club at HEHS, Tolentino danced in the show with dance club and had her own solo too. She said that the show helped her display her love for the art because before she couldn’t even dance in front of one person.

“It felt incredible and honoring to perform in front of a welcoming crowd,” said Tolentino.

“There’s that moment of realization that it’s something we all love to do,” said Rena Marompon, sophomore at HEHS.

Marompon participated in dance club last year too and this year she also got a solo. She said that she was also contributing to the show somehow, whether it was teaching her choreography to the rest of the club or preparing for her show. Marompon said she was proud of the dancers and grateful for the warm welcome from the audience.

“I loved performing in front of such a big crowd, personally, because I love to show how hard we all worked on the dances,” said Marompon.

“I want people to see my passion for it,” Sam Wicks, junior at HEHS.

Wicks has been a member of dance club since her freshman year has been contributing her love for the art. Wicks said that performing can be nerve wracking at first, but the dancers just feed off the audience’s energy and the audience feeds off the liveliness and spirit of the dancers. Wicks would practice at rehearsals and go home and practice even more because she had to practice but mainly due to the fact she loves dancing.

“It’s a good way to show your passion for the art of dance,” said William Fernandez, sophomore at HEHS.

Fernandez was a choreographer in the dance show and had a solo. He joined dance club last year and according to him it’s hard to find time to practice with schoolwork but he always found a way and put in a lot of time and energy.

“Making money isn’t our goal; it’s to show the love that all these kids have for it,” said Bromley.

Although the dance show did make major profits, the tickets are sold at a cheap price of four dollars, because it’s just to put together a stage for these students to showcase their ability, said Bromley, but with the profits made new costumes are bought and money is donated also. There was a full house both nights and the audience gave a warm welcome to the dancers, according to Bromley.

“It’s so much fun and I love working with the students. Seeing the kids improve throughout their years at HEHS is a wonderful feeling. This year we had a record high of 60 participants in dance club and I hope to see this continue,” said Bromley.