Magical. Chaotic. Appreciative. Those are the three words senior dancer, Macee Dippery, would use to describe the traditional event that happens before students head off to winter break–ADC Holiday Showcase. 

“It’s [showcase] a Salem tradition. It’s a great tradition too,” said Dippery.  ¨I think it is so vital because it is a great way for Salem to wish students a happy holiday…it’s something for them to enjoy, kick back and relax to, during the last week; not worrying about anything just watching the show that their friends are in,” Dippery said.

Senior vocalist, Adrianna Savage, could not agree more. 

“I’m excited to see Ella [Ramsey] and her sister the most because Ella and I were the only one’s in the strand to do it last year, so we kind of feel like we made it, again!” said Savage.

Dippery also insists that Academy Dance Teacher, Mrs. Katie Flint, receives the acknowledgment she deserves as well. Flint has been the director of the Holiday showcase for the last eight years. 

“Planning actually starts way back in October,” said Flint. I get my bearings being a classroom teacher and getting my classroom started in September, but October is really when ADC, as a dance company, starts planning. Then we have our first auditions in November and it picks up from there.”

Flint also acknowledges some of the struggles that come with putting together such a huge event. There is paperwork that goes on behind the scenes when organizing the assemblies, streaming it throughout the day, communicating with security, etc. but she could not be more grateful. 

“This concert is the only concert where not all the students are mine,” said Flint. “There is a lot of learning the cast and vice versa so that can be a challenge because it is a big group of students who are not my students, but I still call them my students because sometimes I do feel locked in my little cave in the 400 hall…so, I really love meeting and interacting with other Salem students I don’t get to teach.” 

Audience members are not the only ones who are excited about the event. It can also be a thrilling time for a performer. Senior instrumentalist, Genesis Martin, worked hard alongside his teacher, Mr.Boone, to bring his strand together to perform something special for the showcase.

“We have a lot of dedication, a lot of passion coming for this performance. A lot of work is being put into this and joy, we’re going to bring a lot of joy,” said Martin. “There are some surprises in the performances, some things the audience doesn’t typically see when it comes to instrumental performances. It’s a mixture of Philharmonic and Camerata so, it is a pretty big group.”

Film Club has something special planned as well.

“We are working on a short film about a football player and an artist who fall in love over the holidays. It’s just a short six-minute movie that will play during the holiday showcase,” said Film Club President, senior Brady Malone.

In three words, Malone would describe the showcase as “LOTS OF FUN.”

“I think it’s a really big moment where our school gets to come together as a group and celebrate together. We get to see all of these different artistic outlets and see a lot of our fellow students in a different light,” said Malone.

Flint believes it is important to understand the showcase is not just vocal strand, it’s not just academy, it is Salem’s variety show for everyone. 

“I know it’s dance and vocal heavy, but I love bringing in new acts. One year, I had kids do figure skating, another year I had spoken word, even comedy at one point!” said Flint.

As to the success of the Holiday showcase, the director refused to take all the credit. 

“It is right before the holidays. The energy of just the time of the year, you can feel it in the school and that helps because it is brought to the show and becomes exciting for everyone involved,” said Flint. “The success comes from the students and their encouragement and the acceptance of this school. I would not call claims to any of that at all.”

Holiday showcase is happening December 21 during the school day and at 7pm that night. Tickets can be purchased on Salem’s GoFan website, also linked in the ADC Instagram @salem.adc. Tickets start at $8.00 for general admission and $5.00 for students.