The program Tonal Centers performed as part of a series of dance routines for the 2023 Dance Concerts held on Nov. 17, 18 and 19.
The dancers wore white flowing fabric in the first piece of the program before they shed them for tight black shorts to transition to hip hop.
Dance major Liz Scanlan said all the practice done throughout the semester paid off when she and her fellow dancers went on the stage.
“I had a few jitters, but I made it through,” Scanlan said.
Family and friends showed their support for their loved ones on stage and behind the scenes.
Former Pierce student Jazimine Garcia attended with her family because her sister Melaney is the alumni choreographer and her younger sister Ashley danced.
“Tonight was her best piece ever. It was so emotional I literally cried,” Garcia said.
Musical numbers ranged from catchy hip hop music to ethereal slow pieces listed in 13 different routines.
Dancers performed all their numbers in barefoot. The venue also had guest performers from Reseda Charter High School who were invited to perform in some of the pieces.
Brenda Garcia, who is a high school student from Reseda, said she was ecstatic after her first performance.
“I thought it went really well and I gave it my all,” Garcia said.
Audience members cheered during the performances.
There was a minor controversy given how one of the pieces “Infatuation” uses Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love” which is prominent in the movie “Fifty Shades of Grey” both of which has mature themes.
Warnings were given to parents to be mindful of their young ones during the piece due to the content and attire performers were wearing.
“They just told us today they would put up signs just in case younger students or kids would be in attendance,” Scanlan said. “It was just to make sure everyone was on the same page about it.”
