On Dec. 12, Laverty transformed as the 7th-12th Grade Winter Dance Concert, “Falling In Between,” took over the building. Instead of a traditional show on the stage, this year’s concert invited the audience to move through the space and discover performances happening all around them.
The biggest change from past years was the use of site-specific choreography. Rather than performing only under stage lights, dancers moved through unexpected corners of Laverty like the amphitheater, hallway, and Black Box.
Audience members followed performers from place to place and experienced the concert as a shifting path rather than a seated event. By letting the building shape the choreography, student performers were able to use stairwells, natural lighting, and room acoustics to give each piece a distinct atmosphere.
The choreography featured original works by Dance Director Kindra Windish along with contributions from guest artists Arletta Anderson, Vanessa Cruz, and Justin Morris. Each choreographer brought a different movement style and artistic background to
the show.
Their combined guidance gave students a broader understanding of how dance pieces develop and encouraged them to experiment with new techniques and ideas.
Music also played an important role in the show. Live instrumental performances from Upper School musicians filled the atmosphere with a calm mood. This collaboration added another dimension to the performances and highlighted connections across the performing arts programs.
Before the concert began, many in the community attended the Upper School Art Open Studios in the Fiske Art Studios and the MacFarlane Family Courtyard. The Open Studios featured work by students in Grades 9-12 from ceramics, media arts, applied design, and 2D Art & Design courses.
Artwork was displayed in the spaces where it was created, offering visitors a closer look at the creative process. Throughout the evening, student artists worked live, including ceramicists on the wheel, painters and sketch artists composing in real time, and photographers actively capturing images. Elaborate chalk drawings were also featured in the MacFarlane Courtyard. The event’s background featured a musical score composed by Noah Ro ’28, a Chadwick AP Music Theory student.
By focusing on both process and performance, the shows reflected how students build technical skills, take creative risks, and develop confidence in sharing their work with an audience.
Together, the Open Studios and the “Falling In Between” concert created an evening that showcased a range of creative work happening across campus. Both events emphasized experimentation, collaboration, and artistic growth.
