Each December, the Artistry Dance Company hosts Holiday Showcase, a holiday-themed variety show that aims to highlight the talents of the student body. With four shows during the school day and one after school, all artistically-inclined students were encouraged to audition, as acts range from singing and dancing to instrumental performances and film production. The show will be held on December 19th in the auditorium, but until then, ADC and the showcase’s many performers are working hard to make the show memorable.
ADC sponsor Katie Flint has run the showcase for the past ten years, and while she deserves both acknowledgment and praise, she is not without help. Composed of artistic director Tamera Jones, performance director Kendall White, and rehearsal director Serani Myers, ADC’s board of directors perfect Flint’s visions and guide performers in finding their own.
“My role is to make sure that everyone is well prepared and to make sure that everyone is where they need to be at all times,” said Myers. “The biggest challenge is execution.”
Jones and White, on the other hand, are tasked with rather complex responsibilities. White’s job is to “cut all of the music, pick out lights, assign costumes, and create dance choreography for two large groups and two small groups”; although, she explains that she and Jones contribute simultaneously.
“A lot of our roles overlap, so we all contribute to some of these tasks,” said White. “Despite challenges, we were able to create amazing dances that you will see on the 19th.”
As mentioned by White, the directors all face the same challenges regarding the dance performances, which serve as a major portion of the showcase. In order for the dances to run smoothly, the choreography must be flawlessly executed.
“The hardest part I face with showcase is having to create choreography,” said White. “In general, creating choreography for four separate dances can be tough, especially without repeating any moves and keeping in mind how it will look on our cast.”
Flint agrees with White’s sentiments, but she believes that ensuring communication and collaboration between performers, ADC, and the tech crew on-stage requires even more effort.
“This concert is the only concert where not all students are mine,” said Flint in a 2022 interview with the SunDevil Times. “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.”
The crew on-stage is responsible for the majority of the showcase’s technical aspects and cues, which include lights, sounds, and production equipment. The stage manager, however, oversees them; this year, Flint asked junior Haley Powers if she was up to the task.
“As stage manager, it is my job to call the show,” said Powers. “I have to make sure that cues are called on time and that the show fits within the allotted block time. I am one of the main communication people, so if someone has questions or problems, they can talk to me or Flint.”
While it takes a great deal of hard work and endurance to host the showcase, Flint, White, Jones, Myers, and Powers all agree that it is worth it for one reason: bringing the Salem community together. Students, parents, teachers, and administrators gather for one day to witness the holiday spirit, which the showcase does an excellent job at capturing.
“My favorite aspect of Holiday Showcase is being able to perform in front of my peers,” said White. “The hard work we have been putting into Holiday Showcase for many months pays off when we are able to have fun as a group and put on a great show!”
Come out to see the following groups and individuals perform on December 19th; the annual tradition will not disappoint. Tickets for the evening show can be purchased on GoFan for $5 (students) and $8 (general admission).
Most Wonderful Time of the Year/ Vocal (Group) – Madrigals
Kissin’ In The Cold/ Dance (Group) – ADC LG Contemporary
Blue Christmas/ Vocal & Instrumental (Trio) – Nyles Deloach, Chris Garlock, Will Hayes
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas / Vocal & Visual (Solo) – Ali Shoup (& Hippo)
Oh Santa! / Dance (Duet) – Jamie Stephen, Chanel Walker
Santa, Baby / Vocal (Duet) – Margaret Adolphe, Kenna Taylor
Maligayang Pasko: Filipino Folk Dance / (Duet) – Liliana Grandela, Angelina Julian
There Is a Santa Claus / Dance (Group) – ADC SG Musical Theatre (& Flint)
Grown Up Christmas List/ Vocal (Solo) – Reagan Ramsey
Cheer Holidays! / Cheer (Group) – SHS Varsity Cheer Team
Christmas Queen / Dance (Group) – ADC SG Jazz
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Dance (Solo) – Emma Jones
Silent Night / Instruments (Trio) – Bella, Aven, Zoe
By Christmas Eve / Dance (Duet) – Tamera Jones, Kendall White
O Holy Night / Vocal (Duet) – Alana Whitfield, Riley Whitfield
A Squadmas Party / Dance (Group) – SunDevil Squad
Used to Know / Dance (Group) – ADC SG Contemporary
Winter Wonderland / Vocal (Solo) – Sarai Lewis
White Christmas / Instrumental (Duet) – Isabella Seminario, Eli Shuhy
Holiday / Dance (Group) – ADC LG Jazz
