Dance as a Time Capsule: Reflecting the Present

Every annual concert is a unique time capsule, shaped by the students, current events, and evolving dance styles. This realization hit me during tech rehearsals this year: these performances are more than collections of choreography. They capture our students' lived experiences and emotions in this specific moment.

​In my classroom, checking in on how students feel and what they want to dance about is standard practice. I believe in using what we have to create what we need, so bringing these personal reflections into the concert is a natural progression. This process helps students learn to articulate their thoughts through movement.

To help the audience connect with the work, we include student-written summaries read from backstage before each piece. These summaries offer a clear window into their creative thinking and personal journeys.

Watching their choreography often makes me feel protective, especially when they share difficult stories. While I want to shield them from hurt, I am constantly struck by the depth and honesty in the work. Even the tech crew noticed the intensity this year; many of the dances were vulnerable, direct, and deeply moving.

Reflecting on my own past choreography, I can clearly see my own life stages mirrored in the work. Seeing my high school dancers tap into personal, sometimes difficult, themes is both humbling and inspiring. It is an honor to witness their willingness to share these stories.

Looking back at past concerts, I can see history reflected in everything from music choices to recurring themes; it’s such a reminder. From dances about a specific group that was full of drama to this year’s piece, inspired by our new cell phone policy. It’s a reminder that anything can be transformed into movement, and that each concert becomes a snapshot of a particular moment in time: special, reflective, and impossible to recreate in exactly the same way again.

​Photo by Patrick Albert