There was no shortage of boys in this year’s Spring Dance Concert. With two student choreographed pieces and one professionally choreographed piece, there was ample opportunity to showcase this rare number of male dancers. While some of the boys who participated were enrolled in Dance I, others had their first experience on the dance floor this spring.
Patrick Ononibaku ’14 first took dance during his sophomore year and was part of both the winter and spring performances. He had such a great experience that when asked to take dance again, he did.
“I found that dance had given me a new kind of thrill that I had never experienced before,” said Ononibaku. “So, when Ms. Whitcomb gave me the opportunity to join her dance class again, there was no hesitation in my decision to come back.”
Xavier Salvador ’14 also said that participating in dance was an enriching experience. He first performed a duet with Lydia Smith ’14 in the Student Choreography Showcase this winter.
“The compliments I received gave me a true feeling of accomplishment,”Salvador added.
Hugo Marsans ’15 had never danced before this spring when Lydia Smith ’14 asked him to be in her piece. When Marsans started to prepare for the showcase, he discovered that rehearsing was challenging but also fun.
“There were some moves I simply couldn’t get, but Lydia really did an amazing job making sure none of the boys fell behind,” Marsans said. “Overall, the girls were very helpful and supportive, making it easier for us to get adapted.”
The highlight of many of the boys’ experience was performing in front of their peers during the showcases. They urged other boys in the community to get involved in the dance program, and reflected on their experiences. “With my days at Deerfield numbered, I am truly glad to have participated in dance during my last few weeks,” said Salvador.
Ononibaku also added that dance was not only a unique experience, but it also helped him in areas outside the dance studio. “I highly recommend dance to all people, especially athletes, because it has brought my level of play on the field to a whole new level.”
Marsans had a similar sentiment. He mentioned that there is a stereotype that people often give to boys who dance. “I feel like boys in general have a negative connotation toward dance, since they see it as a girls’ thing; however, once you try it, you realize how great it really is.”