This past weekend, January 25th and 26th, the Guys and Dolls Dance Company held their annual dance showcase: Up Close and Personal. The show was held in the Whitney M. Young Magnet High School theater with tickets being sold for $8 in the school store and $10 at the door. I got the pleasure to attend the Friday showing at 7 PM with a couple of my fellow dolphins. We got to school around 6:30 PM and a line of people greeted us as we entered the building. Walking into the theater, ushers welcomed us in, handing us a pamphlet that highlighted the show. The red curtains were drawn on stage while everyone bustled about trying to find good seats. The theater was fairly empty so we quickly found seats in the second row, truly up close and personal.

The show did not begin until 15 minutes after 7 PM due to the poor weather. But the extra wait time did not deter from my excitement of the show. Having gone to the past two shows and both being spectacular, I knew Guys and Dolls would not disappoint. The lights in the theater dimmed and everyone settled down. The curtains swung open presenting the silhouettes of the first dancers in position, ready to take the first step as the music seeped into the air. Opening the show was the first dance of the night, Unity, choreographed by senior Kristin Reid to Sam Smith’s “Pray.” This subtle lighting and enchanting choreography left me wanting more as the piece came to and end.

Throughout the show, we got the chance to reflect on the pieces and vote for our favorite pieces on a ballot given to us along with the pamphlet. My favorite pieces were “Reverb” choreographed by Ania Szydlowski and “Stronger Now” choreographed by Bella Muscarello. “Reverb” was choreographed to the song “Waves” by Dean Lewis. The movements mirrored the melody and lyrics seamlessly, capturing my full attention unlike the previous pieces. After the first few seconds, balloons wrapped in colorful fairy lights descended and hung over the dancers creating a beautiful, whimsical aura. The simple white outfits added to the grace of the piece. “Reverb” was a piece that held my attention throughout, made me sit up from my seat, and had me focused on the powerful movements of each dancer.

“Stronger Now” choreographed by Bella Muscarello to Kesha’s beautiful song “Praying,” closed the show. This piece was the perfect choice to close the show. The song choice melted with the choreography, creating an emotional and impactful piece. Watching the talented dancers, I truly felt their passion for the dance and the purpose of the choreographer. “Stronger Now” was definitely one of the strongest piece from Up Close and Personal. It reiterated the title of the dance showcase perfectly in all aspects of the piece and left me in awe of the performance.

Up Close and Personal 2019 upheld the phenomenal talent expected from the Guys and Dolls Dance Company. Although the first act was slightly less exciting and captivating compared to the second act, the show started strong and finished stronger. It was my honor to have attended this year’s GnD show and I am glad I had the opportunity to appreciate the seniors in their last GnD show. Good job Guys and Dolls!