The Rancho Cucamonga High School dance program performed its spring showcase in the auditorium on Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11, with both shows starting at 6:30 p.m.
The performance titled “Rancho Szn” had a theme of each of the seasons: fall, winter, spring, and summer.
It showed what all of dance 1 to 3, JV, and varsity have practiced throughout the school year, with some new additions such as new dances and guest performances. The dance program also showcased a set they competed with at the World of Dance on Saturday, April 12 in Hollywood.
The show slogan for the year, “With the changing seasons comes new beginnings,” is a dedication to the upcoming graduates. Ms. Larina Vessup, the dance coach said, “They’ll [graduates] be starting a new season in their life and they get to restart again.”
The performers have lots of practice time every day, working hard to get ready for the show day. Lots of teamwork is put into each practice with the help of Vessup pushing the students to reach their target.
“We talk about it as a group and we make goals. It’s really up to them [students] as to how much they want to do and what we’re going to accomplish. We set that goal and I just make sure we achieve it,” said Vessup.
Boys varsity dance captain, junior Jacob Huang, shared some of favorite moments with helping to coach the groups.
“I really enjoy being a part and taking part in building a community within the team,” Huang said. “For shows, I generally try to stay positive yet serious. Everybody plays a part in the community, and I’m truly grateful for everything they do.”
Friends, family members, and supporters filled the auditorium awaiting to see each of the performances. Many of the spectators held flower bouquets to give to dancers at the end of the show as their congratulations.
Freshman through junior dancers felt emotional since it would be the last show of the year, and many of the seniors were graduating. One performance titled “Senior Dance,” choreographed by Nick Rey and the dancers, had all the seniors of dance come to the stage and share one last dance together.
“Performing for the last time feels really bittersweet, it’s really sad because like I’m leaving my team, but it’s been a long four years, so it is time to move on,” senior Brooke Lenain said. ”I’ll be really sad, but we’ve come a long way and I’m really proud of where we’ve come.”
When the show comes to an end, all dance groups come together to perform on stage while also filling up the rows around the spectator seats, making one big finale. Together, they danced to “Sweet Honey Buckin” by Beyoncé and Shaboozey.
“I think my favorite part [of the show] is when all my students come together in the end. Watching them perform is everything for me,” said Vessup. “I love watching them excel in something that they love to do and I can see it in their face when they’re out there, enjoying every moment of it, and it’s all well worth it.”
