WESTPORT’S ACADEMY OF DANCE PRESENTS
OUR 2024 STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE
ABOUT THE STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE
We are excited to present the Academy’s second annual Student Choreography Showcase!
Westport’s Academy of Dance Seniors had the opportunity to choreograph on their Jr. & Sr. Company peers. Over the course of three months, students were immersed in all aspects of choreographing a work from start to finish. They were tasked to select their song, costumes, and lighting design and rehearsed to hone their dances with meticulous thought and care to make their vision come to life.
We prioritize exploring various creative paths as students grow and progress in our program. We are thrilled to offer students the opportunity to express their voices in this way and thank you for joining us to see the culmination of their dedication and hard work.
MEET THE CHOREOGRAPHERS
Tessa Cassell
Inspired by her older sister, Tessa began dancing at the academy when she was three years old. Since then, she has performed in 12 years of both The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland. In her time at WAD, she's trained in ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop, and has formed a particular passion for contemporary ballet and modern. Additionally, Tessa spent three summers at the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory.
Next year, Tessa will be attending the University of Richmond. She is excited to continue her passion for dance and performing by double majoring in dance and environmental studies.
Throughout her 15 years at Westport’s Academy of Dance, Tessa has not only developed her skills in dancing and teaching but has also acquired the ability to collaborate and foster meaningful connections with others. These skills are sure to shape her life's journey, and she is so thankful for her time at WAD.
Katharine Frank
Katharine Frank has been dancing at WAD since she was 3 years old. Her favorite styles of dance are modern and ballet. Katharine has taken ballet since she was 3 but throughout the years, started taking pointe, variations, partnering, hip hop, jazz, modern, and musical theater. This studio has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, and she calls it her second home and her second family.
Next year, Katharine plans on going to either Syracuse University or University of South Carolina, with a major in communications, and a continued love for WAD.
I would like to thank each one of the 7 amazing dancers I have in my piece. Each and every one of you have put in so much energy and effort into this piece and that means more than you know to me. Thank you all for making this the most memorable experience for me. And thank you to the 21 dancers in the group piece, I can speak for each and every senior that this was the best group to work with. And of course thank you to the 3 seniors who have been my best friends for my whole life, there's no WAD without you guys. Last but definitely not least, thank you to all my teachers who have made such a strong impact on my life, and allowing me to have this opportunity to create my own dance.
Catherine Hassell
Catherine Hassell has been taking classes at Westport’s Academy of Dance since she was 5 years old. Her favorite styles of dance are modern and ballet as they encourage her to move freely. For 12 consecutive years, The Nutcracker at Westport Academy of Dance has been an integral part of Catherine’s life, shaping her love for performing. Additionally, Catherine greatly enjoys participating in Alice in Wonderland every spring.
Catherine dedicates her free time outside of the studio to honing her skills in the art of design and video editing. This upcoming fall, Catherine anticipates delving deeper into her creative pursuits as a Film and Television major at NYU Tisch. At NYU, Catherine hopes to maintain her passion for dance and use her knowledge of film to capture the joy of movement.
Catherine would like to thank her teachers and peers at Westport’s Academy of Dance for their continued support as she choreographed her first and most rewarding piece.
Claire Roberts
Claire has been dancing since she was two years old and has been at WAD since she was four. While at The Academy, she has studied ballet, jazz, and modern. Having performed in numerous Nutcrackers and recitals, Claire enjoyed choreographing her first piece as a new way for her to experience dance.
Claire is grateful for the opportunities she has had at WAD and for the close friendships she has made. Claire plans to study chemistry at Yale University this fall and continue dancing.
THE PROGRAM
Fire on Fire
Choreographed By: Katharine Frank
Music By: Sam Smith
For my piece, Fire on Fire, I wanted to create a dance that shows passion and strength. Throughout the dance there are powerful moments that are shared between the dancers, with their emotions and movements. Thank you to these seven amazing dancers and all of the hard work they put in. My imagination would not have come to life without each and every one of you.
Performed By:
Charlotte Barrato
Alexa Beyda
Katie Brill
Caitlin Hand
Andi Jacobs
Avery Michalowski
Ella Wyman
Cough Syrup
Choreographed By: Tessa Cassell
Music By: Young the Giant
The phrase "Life’s too short” is repeated throughout this song which inspired me to create a dance embodying the highs and lows of life’s fast-paced and ever-changing cycle. I’m so proud of the dedication these 6 diligent dancers have put into this piece, and I will forever cherish the skills I’ve learned and memories we’ve made.
Performed By:
Cami Barger
Ava Chun
Alexis Jacobs
Reflections
Choreographed By: Claire Roberts
Music By: Boygenius
I’m so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to work with these amazing dancers. So much of creating this piece required experimentation: formations, partnering, lifts, and everything out of unison. These dancers are all so incredibly talented and adaptable. They were so patient and allowed me to try multiple versions of sections and take time to tweak choreography. To the dancers, thank you for making this piece possible.
Performed By:
Kate Bulkeley
Eliza Gurley
Megan Healy
Nina Katz
Supercut
Choreographed By: Catherine Hassell
Music By: Lorde
When reflecting on my time at Westport’s Academy of Dance, I visualize a supercut of the many positive memories I have shared with my peers and teachers. Therefore, as a senior bestowed with the privilege to choreograph a piece of my own, I dedicated my creation to the moments I have cherished at the studio. If you watch closely, you will recognize specific movements from our beloved performances such as Alice, The Nutcracker, and even recital. It has been truly a rewarding process to see six beautiful dancers execute my intention with such grace. A special thanks to Chloe Jordan, Rylie McCollum, Jaden Messing, Liora Perkins, Ella Turner, and Shelby Weisman for making this experience unforgettable.
Performed By:
Chloe Jordan
Rylie McCollum
Jaden Messing
Liora Perkins
Ella Turner
Shelby Weissman
Paradise
Choreographed By: Tessa Cassell, Katharine Frank, Catherine Hassell, and Claire Roberts
Music By: Coldplay
Performed By:
Cami Barger
Charlotte Barrato
Alexa Beyda
Katie Brill
Kate Bulkeley
Ava Chun
Eliza Gurley
Megan Healy
Alexis Jacobs
Andi Jacobs
Chloe Jordan
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Saturday, 4/6
2:00, 3:30 & 5:00pm
Sunday, 4/7
1:00, 2:30 & 4:00pm
Runtime of each show is approximately 30 minutes.
LOOKING FORWARD
The 2024 Student Choreography Showcase stands as a cornerstone of an ongoing Master Class and Student Performance series hosted exclusively in THE BLACK BOX THEATER within our state-of-the-art facility.
Please stay tuned for ongoing program announcements and updates.
