Maddie Mamoudis '27
May 16, 2025
On Saturday, May 11, Mercersburg presented the Spring Dance Concert in the Simon Theatre. The concert showcased many months (if not a full year) of training, rehearsals, and creative collaboration in a lineup of 26 different dance pieces, with a wide range of genres including ballet, jazz, tap, modern/contemporary, and hip-hop.
“We really prepared for this concert all year long,” said Kelsey Rupp, Director of Dance. “If you're in the recreational track, you rehearse five days a week; if you're in pre-professional [dance], you rehearse six. We take classes and rehearse daily to prepare for the concert.”
The intensity of the schedule revealed the dedication of the dancers, many of whom had to balance academics with demanding rehearsal hours. This concert’s choreography was a collaborative effort, with contributions from Rupp, adjunct instructors, visiting guest artists, and the students themselves.
Despite months of hard work, the road to performance wasn’t without obstacles. “I think the biggest challenge we always face is time,” said Rupp. “I wish we could include even more people from the community. And then we had a couple of injuries this year, too.” Despite the challenges, the dancers delivered a skilled and entertaining show.
One of the highlights for Rupp was the opening number, “Graduation Ball,” a comedic ballet that featured every dancer in the concert. “It’s a silly, tongue-in-cheek piece,” she said. “With half the cast being seniors, it felt right.” Another standout was “The Category Is: Dance or Die,” a bold and energetic jazz piece set to Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” performed by the Level B dancers. “They are just killing it,” Rupp noted.
For many performers, the concert held deep emotional significance. Elizabeth Orders ’25 reflected, “Since this is my last dance concert, I just wanted to make it super memorable.” Her favorite piece was a duet she choreographed and performed with fellow dancer and captain, Caroline Hobbs '26. “It was really meaningful to us. It was fun to perform, and it helped us grow as friends.”
Mika Martinez-Arocho ’25 shared a similar sentiment. “Since it was my last concert, I wanted to put in as much effort and energy as I could.” Mika’s favorite pieces were “Headlock” and “K-Boom,” both of which had audience members hopping.
Ellie Sapp ’25 explained her emotions about the show. “Our bodies eventually get super tired,” she said, regarding the intense preparation. “My goal was not to cry during everyone’s senior solo and to keep up my energy and have a good spirit.” For that reason, her favorite piece was a playful one. “I liked ‘Graduation Ball’ the most, because I’m dressed like a little sailor boy,” she laughed.
While veterans enjoyed their turn in the spotlight, the concert also showcased upcoming talent. Ninth-grader Becca Robinson ’28 participated in the year’s final performance with confidence. “I want to perform well and have a good time while doing it,” she said.
As the concert closed, Rupp reflected on the experience. “I hoped to give the community a moment to relax and be entertained while also celebrating our seniors,” she said.