The Whitney Young Dance Department Presents: Rise Up

Camille Argentar


Jazz. Modern. Contemporary. Lyrical. Hip-Hop. All of these styles and more are present in Whitney Young’s Spring Dance Concert: Rise Up. With pieces choreographed by WY’s Dance Director Mrs. Gordon, student teacher Mr. E, guest choreographers, and, most importantly, students, Rise Up is a show you do not want to miss. The show features a variety of styles, themes, and dancers, ranging from young seventh graders to nearly-departed seniors. For some dancers, this is only their first year in the program, for others, this is their sixth and final year as part of the department. Rise Up captures the spirit of Whitney Young and its students’ beliefs, feelings, and passions.

(from left to right) Hannah Hawkins (’18), Cameron Cox (’17), Gabi Saul (’17), Alicia Bridges (’19), and Kierra Williams (’17) perform in Saul’s piece, entitled “Together We Rise”, during the Dance IV Studio to Stage Showcase.

The name of the show, Rise Up, is based off of senior Gabi Saul’s Dance IV Showcase piece from last February. The piece, entitled “Together We Rise” after the song “Rise Up” by Andra Day, showcases the many injustices and issues in America today. As it was incredibly meaningful, touching, and, of course, well-danced, the piece was selected to be a part of the Spring Concert, and then inspired the entire show’s title for 2017. One of the dancers touched by Saul’s piece was Kat Hasanov (‘18), who stated that “[Gabi’s piece] is so well choreographed and incredibly powerful; every time I watch it, I’m amazed.”

Included in the show are many other student-choreographed pieces, all of which are incredibly impressive for the creators only being 18 or younger. Sydney Schwartz’s (‘17) contemporary work, “The Saloon”, was inspired by “the kinds of things that happen during a rainy day”. Jordan Williams (‘17) choreographed a dance with “a kind of [Brazilian] Carnival feel… it’s all about having fun”; her piece features over a dozen dancers from across the department. The only non-senior student whose piece was chosen to be placed in the Concert was Brooke Gist (‘18), whose stunning piece featured a powerful spoken word poem and was performed during the Guys & Dolls Up Close and Personal showcase in January. These pieces and many more like them show just how talented our students here at Whitney Young are, not just in academics, but in the arts and performance.

Rise Up is not a dance concert to miss! Bring your friends, family, anyone who is interested in seeing incredible, professional-looking dance at a low price! The Dance Department has worked nearly all year on this concert, and they need the support of WY’s amazing students. Shows sell out: tickets are $8 in the school store and $10 at the door, available now! See poster at the right for more information. See you there!