On November 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., the dance department’s Christmas show Mistletoe Magic was brought to the stage. Families and friends watched as their dancers performed in the JHS auditorium. Both shows were about an hour long.

The dancers practiced for weeks to make this evening a memory, excitingly working on their pieces and finally sharing the results on that Friday night. The moment every dancer is most excited about is showing what they have worked for and feeling the applause afterwards. 

Under the leadership of Mrs. Barnett, 16 choreographies were performed on the stage, during the both shows featuring the Sweethearts, Royal Bells and high school classes. Also included were the Junior Sweethearts, taught by Sweethearts officers. who also showed off their squad dances. Their performances left the audience in awe once again as they danced in harmony and creative freedom. 

In addition to their time on stage, the dancers shared wonderful moments behind the scenes. These are memories that will last for a lifetime. Every dancer prepared for their time to shine in their colorful costumes that made everyone look breathtaking and sparkly. 

The high school classes and middle school classes changed in the theater room while the Royal Bells were in the hallway and the Sweethearts on the side of the stage. This enabled them to get on the stage faster after costume changes. 

The different classes had their own areas to get ready for the performance. All of the dancers had to practice their curtain call before the show. In addition to the performances, they participated in a dress rehearsal during which every group had to dance their choreography with the costume on, to ensure everything was ready to go. 

The nervousness increased right before the start of the Christmas show, with the first two groups standing in correct order. 

The curtain opened.

Dancers, filled with excitement, walked out on the stage ready to show everyone what they practiced for. 

They walk to their spot and stand, glancing into the audience for a split second,  glimpsing to spot their parents smiling proudly at them. And then, the music starts. All the nervousness and stress washes away, leaving enjoyment of every single minute. 

The dance itself feels like two seconds, and the dancers already walk backstage again. Whether they are happy or not with the performance, the performers feel some sort of relief. And it’s not over yet. The curtain call will give the show a final ending, bringing every dancer on the stage once again. The audience clapped incessantly, while the groups bowed down.

The first show wasn’t the end for Sweethearts and Royal Bells after all. During the second show they went on stage again, spreading the magic to the audience. 

When the second showcase came to an end, the dancers remained on the stage having their own little moment. 

The photographer took pictures of them afterwards, before parents took their dancers home. 

Once again everyone in the audience was stunned by the amazing winter showcase the dance department brought to stage. Proud families and friends watched their favorite dancer under the bright spotlights. 

If you don’t want to miss the next opportunity to watch amazing choreographies, grab a ticket for the annual spring show on April 5.