The show featured all seven dance styles practiced by Carlmont Dance; Ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, tap, modern, and contemporary.

For Advanced Dance, seven girls were selected at the beginning of the semester to choreograph dances for the show. Each girl was assigned a different style and a handful of dancers. For Intermediate Dance, choreography by former student Brittany Hernandez was featured.

“I was so excited to hear that I got picked to choreograph,” said Charley Bernardo. “My genre was lyrical and I loved all the people in my dance.”

All dancers met in the studio after seventh period on the day of the show and split up into groups in order to decorate the studio. Lights, trees, tinsel, and snow gave the studio a “winter wonderland” look that was topped off with decorated Pointe shoes lining the edge of the performance space.

Each dance was filled with either heart-felt emotions or stunning smiles, bringing plenty of cheers from both the audience and the dancers.

“Ms. Secrist actually allowed us to cheer for each other during the show! We aren’t usually allowed to, but since the show was more of an intimate environment, she said it was okay!” exclaimed Emily Heck. “Hearing someone shout your name definitely gives you confidence and makes you feel really good. It actually makes me perform better.”

After all eleven pieces were over, the dancers had a surprise for the audience members. Each dancer scurried into the audience, grabbed one of their guests, and pulled them into the performance space where they danced to a short song.

“I was so surprised when I saw my granddaughter running towards me, and at first I didn’t want to get up!” said guest Victoria Molinelli. “But once she convinced me to go, I had so much fun dancing to the beat. I felt young again! The idea was very cute and the show was magnificent.”

After the show was over, dancers and their guests enjoyed holiday songs, a nice buffet of food, and a chance to mingle and meet new people. Once the guests left the studio, dancers bonded at their quick cast party that consisted of a gift exchange, tons of junk food, and an intense game of charades.

“I feel so much closer to everyone after the show,” admitted Kristin Perez. “It was honestly so much fun and I hope we do it again next year. Everyone left the studio with a smile on their face.”