When Elliane Cha (‘25) enters third period, she is instantly energized. Upbeat music fills the dance room as the dancers file inside. 

“I feel comfortable,” Cha said. “I feel like I’m walking into somewhere where I can be myself, and I’m not going to get judged.”

Dance Company offers a safe space for dancers and the opportunity for students to choreograph their own dances.

“In the beginning of the year we do a choreographer showcase,” AGHS Dance Co. instructor Shelby Vidal-Solis said. “Students show the class their ideas for choreography, and throughout the year [I] pick pieces that were well prepared or that I think would be a great audience pleaser.”

Vidal-Solis chooses different choreography over the course of the year, with the purpose of creating a show that incorporates a variety of styles. 

“[The students] get to use things that they’ve learned throughout their [dance career] and put it into practice,” Vidal-Solis said.

For Ava Pacaoan (‘25), choreographing for Dance Company is a great way to showcase her passion for dance. Pacaoan is trained in multiple dance styles, but she tends to gravitate towards more dynamic movements.

“I love hip hop,” Pacaoan said. “That’s the style that I do [the most].”

Pacaoan is an experienced dancer, but Dance Company includes a variety of skill levels.

“I love working with a bunch of different skill levels,” Pacaoan said. “It’s fun incorporating people that don’t necessarily dance, but who enjoy dancing.”

All members of Dance Company have the opportunity to choreograph, regardless of experience.

“It gives [the dancers] good leadership skills,” Vidal-Solis said. “A lot of them are really talented with choreography, and they won’t even know it until they come here and make something up.”

Although choreographing as a student is a great opportunity, peer dynamics make it challenging.

“We all respect [Vidal-Solis] a lot,” Cha said. “It’s hard to give that respect to the student choreographer just because they’re the same age as us.”

Learning choreography from fellow students can be hard, but it does have its benefits.

“I think what’s easier is learning in a smaller group [rather] than a big group,” Cha said.

The dancers encourage each other to step outside their comfort zone. 

“[Dance Company] is a great place to take risks,” Vidal-Solis said.

Ultimately, Dance Company provides an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and leadership skills in a supportive environment.