2024 Expression Session

Ellie Koff and Kai Strzelecki • December 12, 2024

Advanced Dance presents their choreographed routine. The Expression Session took place from Dec. 6 to 7. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

A dynamic showcase of talent, creativity and passion, the Expression Session took place in the school’s Performing Arts Center from Dec. 6 to 7, presenting three performances in total.

The performance brought together dancers from Sarah Kaye’s Dance P.E. class to the school’s varsity and JV hip-hop teams with coaches Francis Florendo and Ysa Penarejo, as well as varsity and JV contemporary dance teams with coaches Tarua Hall and Gabby Duren. The show consisted of 24 dances, featuring a variety of styles.

Kaye shared her thoughts on the show.

“This show really prepares us for our competition season,” Kaye said. “We have our competition pieces ready at this point and as soon as we get back from break we are on.”

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Group performances left the crowd in awe, especially the hip-hop team’s energetic routine, which brought an electrifying energy to the stage. Varsity hip-hop captain Jordan Hopper (11) reflected on the performance.

Varsity hip-hop performs onstage. The Expression Session included performances by hip-hop and contemporary teams, as well as Dance P.E. Photo courtesy of Anna Scipione.

“The Expression Session is just a fun way to meet people who are not on the dance team,” Hopper said. ‘[My favorite part of Expression Session is] the community that we [dance team] bring and the love and passion that we all have for dance, which is so evident through the passion we push forward within our dancing.”

Parents, students and staff filled the auditorium, selling out the premium seats, which were $30.

The contemporary dance “Run,” by Kelly Clarkson ft. John Legend was performed by the varsity contemporary team. Captain of the varsity contemporary team, Caitlyn Van Hoose (11) discussed the story behind their performance.

“Our dance, ‘Run,’ which is our varsity contemporary large dance, is inspired by losing someone you love and it’s really like going after them,” Van Hoose said. “It’s something we’ve really worked hard on portraying as a team, this entire year with our coach.”

The dance program is planning another showcase in the spring. For now, the performers can take a well-deserved bow for a night that celebrates their hard work, creativity and love for the art of dance.

“You can have the skill, but no passion, but if you have the passion, you have the skill,” Hopper said.

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About the Contributors

Ellie Koff, Asst. Editor-in-Chief, Outreach

Ellie Koff has been a dedicated member of the Falconer staff since her sophomore year of high school, and has served as a Staff Writer, Entertainment Editor, and is now an Assistant Editor-in-Chief. Koff consistently brings passion and enthusiasm to the newsroom. This year, Koff is looking forward to spending another year on staff as she explores new opportunities in her role as the Assistant Editor in Chief of outreach and looks forward to engaging with the community with the goal of increasing readership of the Falconer. Outside the newsroom, Koff enjoys spending time with friends at the beach, traveling with her family, reading murder mystery novels, updating her Pinterest board with fresh inspiration, and practicing yoga. Her passion for storytelling and eye for detail shine through in her work and her worldly view offers a fresh perspective to the paper. When she's not in the newsroom, Koff can often be found at a café, latte in hand, brainstorming the paper's next big story.

Kai Strzelecki, Writer

Kai Strzelecki joins the Falconer this year, bringing fresh enthusiasm and a keen eye for detail. Excited to dive into the world of journalism, Strzelecki hopes to uncover compelling stories and contribute to the publication’s impactful content. Beyond the newsroom, he appreciates spending quality time with family and friends and enjoys volunteering within his community as a way to give back. Strzelecki’s passion for service and attention to the fine details in everyday moments keeps him appreciative and mindful, enriching his ability to craft stories with empathy and authenticity. Strzelecki is thrilled by the opportunity to meet new people through Falconer interviews and his classes. Strzelecki anticipates a year of both educational and personal growth, along with a lot of fun.