The Elegant Athleticism of Upper School Dance

By Jim Klar, Communications Officer (Photos by Dustin Rhoades)

The TAS Upper School Dance production “Beautiful Dreamer” transported audience members to a magical world of beauty, elegance, power, majesty, and intrigue when performed November 3-5 on the stage of Guy Lott Jr. Auditorium. It was a flawless execution of riveting storytelling through music and movement without a single word being spoken. Yet, as they revealed the plot, character relationships, and conflict, the choreographers and performers displayed the soaring athleticism of dance in its highest form. 

Like most fairy tales, the story begins with three children (Maleficent, the King, and Queen) playing in an enchanted wood surrounded by fairies. What could go wrong? Plenty, in fact.  

As Maleficent grows into her magical powers, the King and Queen are frightened and abandon her, much to their later regret. Later, the royal pair are married, give birth to their daughter Aurora, and hold a festive ball in her honor. Unfortunately, Maleficent crashes the party and curses the child that she will prick her finger on a spindle on her 16th birthday and fall asleep forever. The King and Queen send Aurora away with her Fairy Godmothers to keep her safe. 

Sixteen years later, Aurora encounters Maleficent in the woods, forming a bond that leads to Maleficent’s regret for cursing the child. And, of course, a handsome prince happens by, and the two instantly fall deeply in love. On her sixteenth birthday, the curse takes effect. It transports Aurora back to the royal castle, where all happens as predicted, and Aurora enters her deep slumber.

Everyone, including Maleficent, tries to wake the sleeping beauty to no avail, leading to conflict and strife throughout the kingdom. Only when Maleficent realizes that she has selfishly misused her powers and reunites in friendship with the King and Queen does Aurora awaken. And they all live happily ever after. 

Collaborating choreographers Kendra Ing, Viktorija Semakaite, Cheryl Lagerquist, and Palmer Mathews crafted a stunning spectacle filled with joy, pathos, love, and anger. Again and again, the dancers, both in lead roles and supporting characters, made expansive leaps and bounds seem effortless. Physical dialogue rendered through movement communicated the plot and relationships clearly. 

Standout performances that beg for mention are Lucia V. (‘24) and Annie H. (‘23) for the unbridled power in their portrayal of Maleficent. Daniel Y. (‘23) as the King, with Victoria B. (‘23) and Abegail H. (‘23) playing the Queen, conveyed the subtle nuances of both marital bliss and conflict flawlessly. Ethan H. (‘23) as the Prince with Sherry L. (‘24) And Ashley K. (‘23) as Aurora displayed the joy of young love and the longing for its return. And the seven Fairy Godmothers battled beautifully with the members of Maleficent’s Magic Group.

Doubtlessly the audience looks forward to the next foray by the TAS Upper School Dance Dept. But, in the meantime, we all live happily ever after.