A flash of bright colors, the shimmer of sequins, and the tip of a hat. The audience was thrilled at this past weekend’s Spring Dance Concert by fans, fringe, and umbrellas. Performances ranged from lyrical to disco-inspired to jazz accompanied by popular bops and somber soundtracks, with dancers in all grades 6th through 12th. The seniors concluded the concert with a very special piece of their own. Overall, the concert did not disappoint.
The 6th and 7th graders displayed their talents with fun music and big smiles. Their pieces were upbeat and well-executed. Some include “It Hit Me Like,” “Island Sweets,” and my personal favorite, “The Beat Goes On.” The costumes created an even more engaging ensemble with the hot pink fluffy skirts in “Island Sweets” and the classic 70’s inspired outfits of bell bottoms and headbands in “The Beat Goes On.” The music was so catchy that even some of the dancers could not help but sing along.
The Dance Troupe showed up to the concert ready to break a sweat with “Hope” and “Intertwined,” which were both student-choreographed. It was wonderful to see the talent and hard work put into each and every move. The costumes were also engaging with pops of red, white, and black. The troupe demonstrated their talents with high leaps and well-executed rolls.
Albuquerque Academy demonstrated its diversity by showcasing more cultural pieces in the concert. The most notable ones were “Azure Whispers” and “Café Malonga.” Inspired by a traditional Asian fan dance, “Azure Whispers” relaxed the audience with beautiful fan movements that demonstrated the push and pull of water. The stage was lit with blue with a melodic soundtrack in the background. Later, “Café Malonga” displayed its own fan routine accompanied with Tango music. The inky fringe pants and red tops pulled the whole thing together.
Lastly, the beloved seniors choreographed their own piece, “As we Fade to Black.” Even though it was sorrowful, the dancer’s expressions and soundtrack of “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons promised an end of an era and the beginning of a new one. Past pictures of the dancers in childhood completed the whole act.
I look forward to next year’s spring concert with a whole new program and array of dancers. We have a wonderful year of dancing ahead of us!
