Just Dance

Excited, hushed whispers from the crowded bleachers filled the Presentation gym as the lights dimmed. The beginning notes of Lady Gaga’S “Born This Way” sounded. And then the Presentation Dance Team took the stage to start a night full of Pres’s best dance moves. This was the 2011 Presentation Dance Cabaret.

On Friday December 2, the Dance Team, as usual, amazed the crowd with their exciting, expressive and impressive numbers. After the team-choreographed opening dance, the team surprised the audience with how quickly they changed into their next outfits for the following number, “Everlong,” a graceful and soulful piece. For these girls, eyes are not the windows to the soul, dancing is. This also proved true in the team’s performance of “Arms.” The intricate movements were varied yet on-beat and still flowing beautifully, as the team moved as one.

Other crowd favorites performed by the dance team included the fun, fast-beat and dancy number “Yeah 3X,” the energetic, “bring-it” type of hip hop dance “Dub It,” and of course the ending number “Bionic,” which kept the crowd wanting more even after the final performance. What’s special about Pres’s dance team is that each girl has her own style and grace, but together, they work as one strong, well-fueled dancing machine.

Not only were we able to watch the striking Dance Team’s numbers, but we were also given the opportunity to watch the progress of the 3rd and 4th period dance classes. These girls got to learn and practice their numbers every other school day, and the hard work definitely paid off. Third period danced to “Not Over You,” a hard song to stick to the beat to but they executed it fabulously, and “Whatchadoin?,” a hip hop dance which the class brought a great energy to. Fourth period ’s pieces included the hip hop number “Shake” and lively performance of “Americano,” complete with clapping “Hey’s” and “Ole’s.”

From Dance Team to class periods to…choir? Yes, the Presentation Choir also made an appearance at this talent-filled cabaret. In lovely blue dresses, the choir took the stage a total of not one, not two, but five times, each time showing off their wonderful voices through different styles of music. From Gaga to holiday music, the choir did it all. Starting off with Lady Gaga’s “Telephone,” which required much skill to sing due to the fast-paced lyrics, and moving into the Christmas spirit with “‘Zat You Santa Clause?” and “Last Christmas,” the choir’s talent was unquestionable. They also performed “Rhythm of Life” and “Start Me Up/Livin’ on a Prayer.” Hitting some impressively high notes in “Rhythm of Life,” these girls proved that from high to low they’ve got it covered.

The senior solos included dances from seniors Mikaela Rubi, who danced to “Not Enough,” Juliann Larese, who danced to “Broken Hearts and Fairy Tales” choreographed by senior Auti Kamal, Thuy-Vy Choi, who danced to “Start Again,” Katie Fauria, who danced to “Life Line,” Madeleine Bernstein, who danced to “The Funeral,” Morgan Locke, who choreographed and danced to “Toxic,” and finally Auti Kamal, who choreographed and danced to “The Meadow.”

The solos demonstrated each senior’s unique dance style and strong points. What was interesting about each solo was that there was a spotlight that reflected upside down shadows on either side of the wall while each dancer performed, enabling the audience to see what the dancer was doing from even the lowest level of the bleachers.

Overall, Presentation as a whole, both dancers and singers, killed it. They lit up the stage with their smiles, as well as leapt, twirled and harmonized all night long. The crowd went wild numerous times throughout the performances, and were happy to find that Pres girls got the beat. The 2011 Dance Cabaret was truly a treat to experience.

Pres Jazzes up October Concert

     Presentation’s Jazz Band and Choir held their debut concert “Get Jazzed!” on Friday, Oct. 16 in the Valenzuela Theatre. Directory Jerry Lovejoy said that he was especially happy with the choir’s newest members. “I think the freshmen make an incredible contribution to the Choir,” he said. “It’s refreshing to work with such a close-knit group.”

     He was similarly complimentary toward the band: “Since becoming a class at Pres, the Jazz Band has been developing skills so rapidly. We can tackle tougher charts and perform at a much higher level than before.”

       The small but skilled band began their set with “We Will Rock You,” composed by Brian May and originally performed by the rock band Queen. The band also performed a rendition of Miles Davis’s “Milestones” and finished their first set with Jeff Darrohn’s “Gospel Blues.”

     “The Jazz Band has really progressed since last year. We’re even more dedicated than before,” said senior Nicole Rodrigues. “This year, because we had all kinds of experience, we’re doing really well.”

       “I really enjoy being in band because we have so much fun with each other,” added Angel Santos, sophomore.

        The choir was next to take the stage. As always, they treated the audience to a strong and melodious performance.  They began their set with Snyder’s “Nella Fantasia,” which is written entirely in Italian. Tiffany Merritt, senior, started the song off with a lovely solo.

       Shruti Swaminathan, freshman, said, “It’s so much fun. We’re just like a gigantic family.” Many of the girls seem to be in agreement. “We can be really loud and obnoxious, but it’s okay to be like that here,” said Victoria Schmitt, senior.

      The Choir’s second song was Funk’s “Yonder Come Day,” Danielle Marquez, sophomore, said, “There’s a little bit we need to work on, but I think we’re doing well, and I really enjoy being in the group.” To wrap up their first set, the choir sang a beautiful, albeit wordless, version of Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy” from the ballet The Nutcracker.

        The band then retook the stage for their final song, “You Really Got Me,” the 1960s hit composed by Ray Davies. They were then joined on the stage by the choir, whose final song, John Leavitt’s Festival Sanctus, closed the night with a bang.

        Overall, it seems as if the Presentation Music Department is off to a good start this year. The donations collected at the concert and future shows and fundraisers will help pay for the groups’ trip to New Orleans this April. You can see the group next on December 19 at 7 p.m. for their Christmas performance in the San Jose Basilica.

      When asked what he hopes the two groups will accomplish this year, Mr. Lovejoy said, “I’d like to see them each become the very best performing group they can be. Not only in performance and rehearsal, but also in relationships. We perform better when we relate to one another at a deeper level.”

      For any questions, comments you can contact Mr. Lovejoy at http://www.pres-net.com/academics/art/lovejoy/lovejoy.html