The lights lifted and the first notes of music floated across the auditorium. Legs extended, toes pointed, arms sliced gracefully through the air and bodies moved in seamless harmony. The holiday dance showcase was more than just a series of performances. Rather, it was a celebration of the talent, collaboration and artistry that defines Pali’s Visual and Performing Arts program.
From jazz and contemporary to lyrical group pieces, solos and full ensemble numbers, the show featured dances from Pali dance teachers Cheri and Monique Smith’s third-period and seventh-period beginner classes and fifth-period advanced class, better known as Pali’s official dance team. Pop anthems blended with spoken poetry, each dance proving the program’s impressive stylistic range.
With Mercer Hall unavailable in the wake of the Palisades Wildfire, dancers found a second home at Paul Revere Middle School. Throughout the semester, dancers rehearsed for the showcase and football game performances without their traditional space at Pali South, walking to the new Fancy Feet location–a studio formerly in the Pacific Palisades–escorted by Pali security through Santa Monica streets.
Senior and four-year member of Pali’s dance team Viola Browne explained the process of putting on the show, despite their unusual circumstances.
“Most fifth periods, we either danced out on the blacktop by the bathrooms, sometimes in extremely hot weather, or walked through Santa Monica to get to the new Fancy Feet studio–it was all very unorthodox,” Browne said.
The dance team’s members, selected each spring through a competitive audition process, brought their signature energy and polish to every routine. Their confidence elevated the work of their peers and showcased the dedication they’ve put in both inside and outside the Pali dance sphere.
Pali’s dance team’s signature look–black and blue glittery jerseys, intricate section work, explosive jumps and expressive hip-hop sequences–brought a professional energy to the stage. They performed their medley of dances that were previously done at Pali’s football games. There was a true wow moment collectively amongst the audience when half of the dance team effortlessly dropped into the splits. Junior Chelsea Sargent and sophomore Zoe Tillman stood out for their power, clarity and commanding stage presence within the group.
Alumni Logan Christopher, now dancing for Stanford’s selective hip hop group, DV8, reflected on the show from the audience, saying how Pali prepared her for her future dance experiences.
“Pali dance was honestly where I really learned not only how to improve my skill as a dancer but also how to be comfortable performing and how to be a true teammate,” Christopher said. “I try to bring a lot of that over to the new dance team I belong to at Stanford.”
She added how the show was a reminder of the impact Pali dance had on her.
Christopher said, “Watching the show as an alum was super surreal and made me realize how much Pali shaped my relationship with dance and how grateful I am that I got to be a part of it– it felt like a real full circle moment.”
Solo performances were another highlight of the evening. Junior Ariela Ephraim’s solo to Sienna Spiro’s “Maybe” showcased strong pirouette sequences, controlled acrobatic elements and seamless transitions across the floor. Her twin sister, Noa Ephraim, debuted her solo dance to “No Choir” by Florence and the Machine, with the same level of technical excellence, marked by impressive flexibility, clean lines and controlled power. The Ephraims’ solos captivated the audience with their strength and fluid musicality. Together, across the entire night, the Ephraim twins exemplified the qualities that define Pali’s strongest dancers.
The third-period beginner class dancers demonstrated incredible promise. Their rendition of Adele’s “Turning Tables” combined expressive floor work and well-synchronized movements, proving that even those new to dance can convey complex emotion through choreography. Their well-timed movements created a very interesting ripple effect on stage. For dancers new to formal training, their ability to convey such presence was especially impressive.
Meanwhile, the fifth-period advanced class raised the technical bar. One standout piece incorporated a ballroom-inspired sequence with fluid arm pathways and grounded hip movements, creating an impassioned, high-energy number that kept the audience fully engaged.
A favorite dance of the night was a small-group contemporary piece to Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful.” The dancers captured the song’s haunting quality and Rey’s sultry voice beautifully. Junior Lily Moss and senior Viola Browne stood out for their expressive faces, proving that performance extends beyond the body–true storytelling lives in the eyes and intention behind each movement.
Senior Cocona Kawamura’s solo to Shawn Mendes’ “Mercy” featured soaring leaps and fluid transitions, each line of choreography precisely matched each lyric– a testament to her musicality and discipline. She conveyed each sentiment within the song with powerful movements.
Dance performances were thoughtfully broken up with musical acts by Pali singers. Senior Ella White’s performance of Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” graced the audience with her warm voice and mature timbre. With little riffs and overall smooth and beautiful delivery of the song, she instantly wooed the audience. Freshman Sebastian Kollatz and sophomore Liam Irving sang a “White Christmas” duet with clean harmonies and playful stage chemistry, evoking an idyllic holiday atmosphere. Junior Madden Garcia closed the musical acts with Joni Mitchell’s “The River,” offering clear tone, strong control and an impressive falsetto that made the male rendition of the classic song especially memorable.
A highlight of the night was a comedic sketch, a first for a Pali dance show, featuring dance team’s Lily Moss as Mrs. Claus. The sketch poked fun at the holiday season while showcasing her acting and singing talents, a testament to her versatility as a singer, dancer and actor, a true triple threat.
Perhaps the most striking element of the evening was the fusion of backgrounds. Many dancers bring years of experience from private studios like Mather Dance Studio or Fancy Feet, while others are newer to formal training. Yet onstage, regardless of their individual paths, all performers came together to create cohesive, polished and beautiful performances that felt both personal and universal, proof of the program’s inclusive culture.
The final number, “Sleigh Ride,” brought all classes together in a joyous, celebratory conclusion. As the dancers moved across the stage in perfect unison, the audience could feel the heart of Pali’s dance program: a space where students can grow, express themselves and find meaning through movement. Dance, in its purest form, is more than technique – rather it’s about the shared experience it creates through both dancers and the audience. For Pali students, these performances offer a glimpse of possibility, serving as a reminder that dedication, artistry and community can combine to create something truly magical.
