The fall dance performances work to bring the Xavier community together as a whole. They showcase student creativity, athleticism and joy through traditional performances that both students and teachers look forward to.
The first show takes place November 18 at 7 p.m.. The intermediate students will show off a variety of class routines, as well as student-created dance films.
Dance department chair Mary Anne Herding described this as a “fun one-hour show,” where advanced and performance dancers also contribute a piece to bring all levels together.
On November 19, the advanced dancers will present their informal and well-loved show during 8th hour. This year’s theme is “movies” and dancers are creating their own pieces using music from well-known films to encourage their classmates to come support the show.
Beyond the XCP campus, Xavier’s performance dancers will also contribute to Brophy’s Fine Arts Extravaganza the night before Thanksgiving break. The half-hour outdoor show, starting at 6 p.m., is a tradition students love.
This year, the performance dance program added dance officers and representatives from each level, giving students more of a voice and connecting the entire dance community at Xavier.
Students are always involved in the shows, from choreographing class pieces to creating films on their own, with guidance. Herding explained that even in structured class work, students are given “creative reign,” helping each performance to be unique.
Shea Contreras ‘27, an intermediate performer, stated that her favorite part in preparing for these shows is everyone taking time outside of class to practice together. “The connection and bond that we all have made with each other is what makes it so special,” she said.
Herding said that she hopes the audience feels inspired by the athleticism and creativity of the shows. “There’s something naturally bonding about dancing together,” she said.
Reagan Storey ‘26, one of the performance dance officers, is helping lead this year’s shows. Her group will perform a hip hop piece in the intermediate show and will appear at the Brophy Fine Arts Extravaganza, consisting of 10-12 pieces, half being choreographed by students.
Storey shared that performance dancers take on more shows in the spring, including leading the Christmas Pageant. This year she’ll be playing Mary. As a senior, she said it’s been “really cool to lead and help show the younger girls how things work.”
She explained that being able to choreograph and put her name on a piece feels more personalized. “It’s fun to showcase your best talents, highlight your strengths, and show off your own styles while working together with your peers,” Storey said.
This being her fourth year in the XCP dance community, Storey shared that the program has been one of her favorite parts of high school. “Performance dance feels like a family,” she said.
Storey shared that being on performance dance has taught her that it’s okay not to be the best one in the room. While Xavier can be known for its competitiveness, Storey felt that this has taught her a lot about teamwork. “We’re all in it together,” she stated.
The same spirit of connection extends beyond performances and into the club itself. Anyone is welcome at Dance Club, which meets once a month on Wednesdays. Students are encouraged to come and support their peers by attending upcoming performances.
“Xavier dance has taught me how important it is to have close connections with others, and that together you can achieve something great that you couldn’t have done on your own,” Contreras stated.
Herding said she hopes the audience feels the exchange between the dancers and themselves. “It’s kind of a gift to one another.”
