At the Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center, the dance department’s “Inspired” dance show featured star quality displays of cultural variety and colorful costumes that brought out a ton of energy in the performances from each dancer.

“I enjoyed getting to know my teammates on a deeper level. With every performance, you learn so much about one another” remarked junior, Erin Paulin.

As a member of the advanced dance company, Paulin was very adamant about making sure that she grows “not only as a dancer, but also as an individual,” which is why “performing is such a wondrous experience” for her. Dancing in over eight numbers, as well as choreographing “Altered Perception of You” was definitely a challenge for Paulin, but she easily danced the night away with her team.  

Another featured performer from “Inspired” was senior, Leanne McIntee.

When we were discussing the central theme of inspiration, she had this to say: “I believe the theme of “Inspired” and the dances created from it really helped bring together and bond the team even more. All the dances we created were inspired by something or someone and to really express [a] piece the best we could, we had to individually connect to it.”

One of the pieces that McIntee actually came out to address the audience with was a number entitled “A Mentor Remembered,” which honored the recent passing of Jan Ellis who inspired dance teacher and choreographer, Katie Chrisman on so many levels.

“Jan Ellis was my one of my college dance professors [and] she’s the reason why I’m a dance teacher. She was always a mentor for me and at the same time, was kind and stern in pushing me to be who I am,” Chrisman reflected.  

Other numbers throughout the evening featured Dance 2 in “Sassy But Classy,” “Farewell for Now,” and “Girls.” All of these numbers demonstrated the ability of the dancers to express feelings of darkness and light through pop, jazz, and even a twist of tango music.

“My Dance 2 students are all participating and working hard at a level that really has already been established by themselves. It’s so great to see them excel,” Chrisman beamed.

In addition to Chrisman being very complimentary and supportive of the work ethics put forth by her students, the dancers themselves spared no expense at praising her as a teacher and as an individual.

“Without the help and guidance from Mrs. Chrisman, none of this would have been possible. She is constantly pushing us to achieve our highest potential [and] Sage Creek is fortunate to have her on the staff,” said Paulin.

Fabiola Sanchez, another senior captain, also emphasized a unique goal given to the company as a whole. “Mrs. Chrisman told us that our job as dancers is to give audiences an escape” which has played a large role in displaying “the accumulation of all of our hard work throughout the entire trimester.”

Sage Creek’s first dance performance of the year is in the books and the Bobcat community should be looking forward to attending the next ones to come.