On the weekend of February 5th to the 7th, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy’s Visual and Performing Arts, or VAPA program, presented its annual dance concert, Illuminate. As the theater lights dim and the first notes of music fill the room, the stage comes alive in a glow of movement and emotion through artistry.
For seniors, the concert marked their final performance in a program to which they devoted countless hours and years. For the underclassmen, it was a chance to challenge themselves and help carry the program further. Together, with months of dedicated rehearsals and late nights, the dancers put on a show that illuminated.
Organizing an event like the dance concert takes more than just putting effort into the choreography. Behind the scenes, months of planning, the selection of music, and technical coordination are all components that the audience doesn’t get to see.
Ms. Adams, Dance Teacher and Dance Company Director, worked countless hours to ensure that each piece not only reflected the theme of Illuminate, but also the individuality of the dancer that was performing. Every detail contributed to the atmosphere of the show.
“The original vision was really about the theme Illuminate,” Ms. Adams said. “I wanted it to be broad enough that students still had the freedom within the theme to create dances that they wanted to create, but also have enough intention and focus that it’s not just a ‘dance concert.’ I liked the idea of Illuminate because we had come out of what felt like a pretty intense season, politically, socially, and just as a community.”
Ms. Adams explained that the theme of Illuminate allowed Tologs to explore more meaningful ideas while also being able to use the lighting and staging to help tell their stories.
“I thought Illuminate could be about us bringing to light the ideas, the concepts, the issues that we’re interested in, in the world and make a piece about it. I also thought we could use the idea of light as a way to tell a story. Then we could use the actual lighting to help us tell the story.”
On the stage, the wide variety of different dances showcased FSHA’s diverse range of dances and skill levels. High energy group numbers helped energize the audience, while slower and more emotional pieces helped create a moment of reflection.
Each dance was able to carry its own story, but together, it helped form a narrative about stepping into the light.
For seniors, Illuminate carried a special significance. Knowing that this was their last performance here on the Hill, it added an even deeper emotional layer to every rehearsal and every dance move performed on the stage.
“Knowing it was our last time on the stage made every rehearsal feel meaningful, we were trying to soak up every second,” said an anonymous senior Tolog.
Leading up to the performance was a time that was filled with reflection, which included thinking back on previous performances, their growth over the years, and the bonds formed with the members of the dance programs.
“Looking back from freshman year to now, I can really see how much I’ve grown, not just as a dancer, but as a person,” stated the senior.
Being able to share the stage one last time with their fellow TOLOGS made the experience bittersweet.
“Sharing the stage one more time together was such a beautiful, but also heartbreaking, experience because we all knew this chapter of our lives was coming to an end,” said the anonymous senior.
The underclassmen experienced the concert from a different perspective.
For some of the freshmen, this was their first big performance on the Hill, which brought both excitement and nerves.
Roxie Sanchez ‘29 described the production as a new experience, explaining that being part of such a big show came with pressure but also excitement.
“Although it was new, it was definitely fun to get to be a part of several dances choreographed by different people. And even though there were rough days at rehearsals, getting to spend my afterschool hours with people that love dance, like I do, was definitely the best experience,” said Sanchez.
Working alongside the upperclassmen dancers also helped guide the younger performers through the process.
“At first it was intimidating because most of the seniors have been participating in this production all through high school,” Sanchez said. “But [the upperclassmen] definitely helped guide me through the process, and it was cool to be a part [of such a meaningful production].”
Emily Choi ‘27 shared that the preparation process, while demanding, has become one of her most memorable high school experiences.
“Though preparing for the dance concert is long and has some challenges, the experience is so exhilarating,” said Choi. “Throughout the whole process, we all got to bond and make memories together, and I can easily say that dancing here on the Hill has been one of my favorite parts of high school.”
Francesca Nunez ‘27 reflected on how the dance concert helped strengthen her ability to collaborate with different types of dancers.
“I not only learn how to perform for myself, but I also learn how to perform with new peers that I may have only met this year. Learning how to interact and move alongside people you normally don’t interact with helps you grow even more than before,” stated Nunez.
Juniors and sophomores balanced the pressure with motivation of dancing alongside their seniors. Watching the seniors take their bows served as a reminder that they too will be there sooner than they think.
“Going into next year, knowing it will be the last time I perform, I am most excited to see new peers and old peers and just make memories with all my dance friends, but I am also really motivated to push myself a little more, maybe be in more dances, and just see where the next year takes me,” said Francesca ‘27.
Beyond choreography, what stood out most throughout Illuminate was the strong sense of unity. Dancers supported one another through long rehearsals, backstage, and celebrated each performance with true satisfaction. The theme Illuminate reflected the ways Tologs uplifted one another and grew stronger together.
“There is something really special about bearing witness to a group of students putting their entire body, their entire heart, and their entire mind into a performance moment. Dance is incredibly emotional. It’s a really vulnerable form of art. You’re just putting your body out there for people to watch,” said Ms. Adams.
Ultimately, Ms. Adams hoped that the audience members would interpret the dances in ways that felt meaningful to them.
“I hope the audience felt permission to make meaning of the dances in a way that makes sense to them,” she states. “I hope the dancers walked away proud of themselves. I hope they feel inspired to try something new and I hope that it inspires them to keep dancing, whether that be here on the Hill or outside of FSHA.”
By the time the final bows were taken and the lights onstage dimmed, it was clear that Illuminate was more than just a performance. It was a reflection of growth, resilience, and powerful connections that are formed through dance. For seniors, it marked the closing of an important chapter, for underclassmen, it was the beginning of many more moments in the spotlight.
Through movement, emotion, and a shared passion for dance, Tologs truly illuminated the stage.
