Behind every Xavier production is a web of movement, rhythm and storytelling. From theater productions to dance concerts, choreography plays an important role in Xavier’s artistic community.
Bringing movement to the stage also requires creativity, technical skill and leadership. For student choreographer Ruby Crogan ‘27, stepping into the student choreographer role wasn’t initially part of the plan.
“In all honesty, I had no intention of becoming a choreographer,” Crogan said. “I’ve always been a dancer, but never a choreographer. A few Brophy friends last year asked me to help them choreograph their audition for ‘43 Below’ and I had so much fun helping them.”
After offering to help backstage, fine arts teacher and director Sarah White invited Crogan to take the role as the show’s official choreographer.
According to White, Crogan has a special ability to “view the whole picture, not just her part, but where her part fits into the entire picture.”
Crogan also brought a very approachable mindset that made the creative process smooth for everyone involved. “She’s very easy to work with, and everyone loved working with her,” White added.
Choreographing requires more than just knowing how to dance, but also the understanding of character motivation and story structure. Preparing for a production means listening to tracks and mapping out movements that suit the style of each song.
“Last year’s ‘43 Below’ was a really easy show for me to start with choreography because it was full of pop songs,” Crogan explained. “The only songs that required me to go through and analyze it like a true musical were the queens’ songs. What I really had to think about in those songs was what motivates that queen. Why are they even singing in the first place?”
Crogan emphasizes the importance of collaborating with performers to make the piece feel authentic. “What I think is the most important about choreography is incorporating what your actor thinks,” Crogan added. “You can give actors steps to do, but if it doesn’t feel true to their interpretations of their characters, it won’t feel right.”
While theater focuses on story and acting, choreographing for Xavier’s dance shows and performances is different. Fine arts teacher Kelly Scovel, guides students through technical dance techniques and helps turn the steps into meaningful expressions on stage.
“An integral part of our program is fostering artistic expression in students and allowing them to create their own pieces. As for the process we usually try to choreograph a variety of different styles such as, ballet, jazz, contemporary and modern pieces,” Scovel noted.
Stepping into a leadership role as a student choreographer introduces a different dynamic: directing your own classmates and friends. The role requires navigating peer relationships with professionalism and respect.
“Having authority over your peers is a strange relationship that can be hard to navigate if you aren’t respectful and are afraid to tell your friends that they’re doing something wrong,” Crogan noted.
White agrees that stepping up to lead classmates is one of the hardest parts of the job. “It’s difficult having to tell people what to do when they are your same age,” White said. However, giving student choreographers guidance helps close that gap, builds their confidence and shows them they are good at what they do.
“Promoting leadership roles for students lets them know that what they’re doing is good work,” White said. “It builds their confidence both artistically and personally.”
As Xavier prepares for its upcoming season of performances the energy surrounding it continues to grow.
Whether shaping character driven stage routines or preparing dance pieces, Xavier’s choreographers bring movement to life.
