Performing Arts Department

Past Performances

2004-2005

HS Dance Company

Directors' Notes ...

The drum, like the heartbeat, is the signal human beings send to Mother Earth in recognition of life. The beating is heard by Mother Earth and resounds throughout the world on many dimensional levels.

We can create our own beats and rhythms to express the joy of life. We do this with movement, dance, and song. It resonates with the rhythm of the big heartbeat of life within. If the beat is played with the soul, it is never out of tune. We can feel the rhythms with our hearts; it has global power.

It is the same the world over; rhythms and percussion can be heard when the wind hits the trees, when the ocean hits the shore and when the insects rejoice with the night with their incredible sounds and their own unique connection to our Mother Earth.

Connecting with life, are the elements that reflect it; Water, Metal, Fire and Earth. These rhythms form relationships, which symbolize different but connecting dimensions. Their constant interactions produce the myriad phenomena of the universe. They are active forces; they encompass all phenomena of nature. It is a symbolism that applies equally to man.

In this performance; Rhythms of Life; our ensemble of 33 dancers use the elements of nature and their ancient symbols as stimulus to create movement. Our opening ensemble dance is a traditional Ghanian dance, which is performed whenever the opportunity arises to celebrate life. Our closing ensemble dance is a South African Gumboot dance, and although the rhythms were born from oppression, in its own way, the dance is also a celebration of life; a reminder that regardless of the situation, the rhythms of life are within us all.

On behalf of the High School Dance Company, we sincerely hope you enjoy the performance.

Lynda Halabi
Dance Director