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Carlmont’s intermediate and advanced dancers eagerly begin the choreography projects that will not only act as their academic final for the first semester, but also as pieces for their annual spring show.

Each dancer must pick a song and genre that relates to this year’s theme of seasons. For example, Sydney Smith, who is currently a junior at Carlmont, is choreographing a modern-contemporary piece to the song “The Garden,” which falls under the season of spring.

Over the next five weeks, each dancer is given class time to create a dance that will be evaluated as their final.

“The goal is to tell a story that would take place during their chosen season through the combination of movement, music, and costuming,” said Ame Secrist, Carlmont’s dance teacher.

Each Monday is a “show and reflect” day that allows dancers to receive feedback from others to help them develop their pieces. The dancers pair up and work to make each other’s dances better.

There is a wide variety of dancers in both classes, each specializing in a different genre, style, and technique. Due to this variation, the “show and reflect” process has proven to be very beneficial.

“This is my fourth year doing the choreography project and I think the most helpful part is when we show our dances to others and get their advice,” said Olivia Reidy, a senior student. “I like when people tell me how to improve my dance because it makes the end result so much better and I know it’s just kind and constructive criticism.”

While some see this project as a way to try new styles, other students take it as an opportunity to let their personal specialties shine.

“Sometimes it’s hard being one of the only two guys that are in the dance program because some of the dances are a little… girly,” admitted Drake Lem, a Carlmont junior, “But I like the choreography project because now I can show off my own style.”

At the end of the process, each dancer has the choice whether or not they would like to submit their piece for the spring show. All pieces will be performed and videotaped on Dec. 16 and Dec. 19 and the pieces chosen for the spring show will be announced on Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 during the intermediate and advanced scheduled finals.

“If you walk into our class, you can see how hard we all are working,” said Jessie Real, a sophomore student. “I get kinda stressed, but I really hope my dance makes it into the show!”