With their dazzling performance in the 2023 Fall Pep Rally, ADC put the ‘artistry’ in both their dancing and their new name: the Artistry Dance Company.
“When changing the name, we wanted to keep the initials ADC the same as it is well-known in the school,” said ADC sponsor Katherine Flint. “So the ‘A’ changed from ‘Academy’ to ‘Artistry’.”
Formerly known as the Academy Dance Company, ADC announced their name change on their Instagram account @salem.adc on October 20th.
“The name change has been something in the works for a few years now,” said Flint. “I realized that many people (staff and students) did not realize the organization was inclusive to all Salem students because of the name.”
ADC has been open to any Salem student since Flint became the sponsor nine years ago. However, not many students knew this because of the ‘academy’ in its name, so ADC dancers voted to change it.
“I think [the name change is] good!” said ADC dancer Riley Sievers. “It finally fixes the common misconception that ADC isn’t only for academy kids. We’re just like a dance team at any other school— open to everyone!”
Now it’s clear that ADC is not academy-exclusive, but did you know it’s also not academy-obligatory? As ADC is separate from the academy dance strand, academy dancers are not required to be in it.
“[I am not part of ADC because] I don’t have the time as I’m taking four AP classes and I also dance at a studio,” said academy dancer Laura Harris.
The new name changes nothing about the various activities ADC does around and outside of school, like participating in the Homecoming Hallway Decorating Contest.
“We do A LOT! Pep rallies, basketball game half-times, hold the Holiday Showcase, perform during the VPAA May Concert, participate in the [December 2nd] Holiday Parade at the oceanfront, and sometimes Sundevil Stars,” said Sievers. “Last year a VBCPS high school dance competition was held for the first time, and we intend to attend this year!”
Their next big upcoming event is the Holiday Showcase, which has become a Salem tradition.
“What ADC is most known for is producing a Holiday Show[case] for the school and community,” said Flint. “The 2023 ADC Holiday Showcase is already in the works! Mark your calendars now for December 20th.”
Look forward to the amazing things ADC has in store for Salem by following @salem.adc on Instagram. If you’re interested in auditioning for ADC, auditions are held around the second week of the school year so think about it for next year.
“I hope the name lets the Salem High School student body know that ADC is their dance company,” said Flint. “ADC is here to represent Salem High School (and not just the academy).”
