On December 7th and 8th, the Davie High Dance Department presented their winter dance concert, which featured dances that express a wide range of emotions.

This semester, dance teacher Caitie Reese put together a total of 25 dances with the 90 students she teaches. With this being Reese’s second year working at Davie, she expresses, “The Dance Department is its own community,” and that’s one of the many motivations she has as a teacher. 

And this year’s concert emphasized just how far-reaching that community has become. To assist with this year’s show, Reece called in help from her former student, Ayanna Hoper, whom she taught during her time at Reynolds High School. Hoper had the opportunity to support the dance department on the nights of the concert. When helping backstage, she noticed how the dance department was filled with more than just friendship; it was filled with appreciation and love. In the days leading up to the concert, Hoper took note of the growth in Reese.

“She’s truly happy to be able to teach this dance department.”

While many dancers feel nervous about performing on stage, sophomore Brily Moore experiences a feeling of passion. 

“Dance is something that I’ve always loved to do,” says Moore. ”It’s something I continue to strive to get better at.” 

Each dancer takes part in two or more dances. Within these dances, each dancer has a favorite dance and the reason behind it. Sophomore Sarah Leadbetter says her favorite dance of the show is “Poison” because “it hypes me up and gets me excited.”

But for some, the emotions were high for a different reason. Many dancers participate in the dance department throughout all four years. Reece also recognized these seniors on both nights, handing out flowers to them after the show on Friday and thanking them for their dedication to the program. 

“It’s definitely bittersweet,” says senior Emma Price. “I’ve danced with a lot of these girls for four years. I’m a little sad, but I’m glad that I got to experience it.” 

For some, the winter concert marks the end of an era as graduation from high school looms in the near future.

“It’s so much more emotional,” says senior Ashlyn Cullipher. ”It just hits so much harder that this is the last concert that I’m going to be in for dance.”