All Eyes on the Dance Showcase
There was no easing into the night. The 2025 Dance Showcase launched at full throttle as the Senior Jazz Academy’s “Fireball” lit up the stage, an electrifying opener that set the tone for an evening of dynamic, tightly-rehearsed performance.
Held over two nights, the showcase revealed the scope and depth of the College’s dance programme. Every genre was reflected, from expressive contemporary works to high-octane hip hop sets, each performance reflected student voice, creative collaboration and hours of committed rehearsal.
As always, the hip hop troupes delivered high-impact energy. “Kents Mega Crew” impressed with razor-sharp choreography and a punchy soundtrack, while “Hip Hop Throughout the Decades” struck a clever balance between throwback beats and fresh movement.
One of the evening’s standouts was “Just Want to Dance” by the all-boys troupe. Their performance combined rhythm, character, and unfiltered enjoyment, earning big cheers from the audience, who were clearly swept up in the fun.
Among the Senior works, “Petal Pushers” by the Senior Contemporary Academy drew attention for its clean, expressive movement and sculptural formations. It offered a change in pace amid the night’s faster numbers.
This year marked Hana Tipa’s first showcase as Head of Dance. Reflecting on the milestone, she shared:
“Our dancers have shown remarkable resolve, juggling demanding rehearsals with academic and co-curricular commitments… This evening celebrates each student’s artistic journey and personal progress. Witnessing their development, confidence, and passion for dance has been a true privilege.”
Original choreography by senior students also added richness to the programme, particularly through NCEA works that tackled themes like perfectionism, burnout, AI, and self-acceptance, bringing another layer of authenticity to the stage.
This year’s Dance Showcase was a compelling display of talent, teamwork and vision. Led in part by the graduating Year 13s, it captured a programme on the move, one that continues to grow in confidence and creative ambition.
