Eleanor Roosevelt’s Dance Department recently hosted its annual Spring Recital, which was held on May 15th, 2025, in the Dr. Gerald L. Boarman Auditorium. The evening performance featured dances from both the fall and spring semester, while the in-school performances focused on short versions of the spring semester’s brand-new pieces. Students and families alike were wowed by the show.
For many of the dancers, this was not simply a recital, it was a vibrant symbol of the growth and triumph that had become a part of the process. For months, the team learned choreography that not only pushed their limits but interrogated their own personal curiosity as well. It was a celebration that stretched from the seniors who indulged in their last performances with one another to the freshmen who stepped into the spotlight for the first time.
This vision could not have been possible without Eleanor Roosevelt’s dance teacher, Ms. Angel Chinn, who brought a vision to the studio every day. She not only encouraged her students into self-expression, but also set her standards high to demand quality.
Through each class, she not only taught choreography, but she taught how to perform with purpose that will leave a lasting impact on the audience. Though dancers will usually be the ones to shine under the spotlight, there is great importance in shining some of that light on the one who made it possible, especially when their dedication was able to form an unforgettable experience.
The recital started off with “Showtime,” a jazzy number performed by the repertory class, and it grasped onto the audience’s attention with its high energy and sparkling red costumes. The next class performance was “Red Balloon” by Dance 1, which brought a sense of playfulness and friendship onto the stage in flowing multi-colored costumes. Dance 2 shook the stage with their theatrical performance of “Shouts” ending off their performance with a dramatic exit. The cultural and musical heritage of African Americans was brought to the spotlight as Dance 3 performed “Jazz Ain’t n=Nothin’ but Soul” in their glittery costumes matched fit with a tie. Dance 4 closed off the class performances of Act I with their performance of “Goldwing,” striking emotion in the audience.
Act II featured several more dances and solo performances, each meticulously crafted and rehearsed. See the program below for the full list of pieces and performers.
Intrigued students attended the recital held on Thursday night; for some of them, it was their first ever time attending such an event. One student claimed as he was leaving that he enjoyed how the performance “was really vibrant and expressed different cultural backgrounds…” seemingly referencing two of the pieces, “Kese” and “Shouts” which wholeheartedly referenced West African Culture.
This performance was apart of the rich tradition of dance. This included the graceful movements of ballet, expressive waves of modern dance, and also the prosperous and important cultural aspects of jazz which is rooted deeply in African American culture.
Ballet taught the dancers the importance of body awareness and discipline rooting back to the 15th-century Italian Renaissance. Modern dance, a significant part of the recital, has its origins in the 19th century of Europe and the United States. It is an expressive style that was ironically created to rebel against the ridgid structures of ballet. Regardless, these various styles of dance were blended seamlessly within the recital, coinciding with one another and creating a beautiful outcome.
Congratulations to Ms. Chinn and each of the performers! The ERHS community cannot wait to see what beauty next school year brings!