Northville Varsity Dance Company's 16th Annual Performance

Northville High School Varsity Dance Company is closing out its sixteenth season with their Annual Performance “Elevate” on Friday, February 3rd, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The annual performance will showcase the diversity, creativity, and artistic expression of the Dance Company through solo and group performances featuring professional choreography, student choreography, and a piece by its alumni. The dance genres of jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and pointe will be represented.

Carly Siracusa Carlin, the Dance Company's Artistic Director says the theme of this season's annual performance came from a knowing that it was time to move to the next level. “When I began preparing for our 16th season, it became more and more clear that it was time. Time to expand, time to get uncomfortable, time to move to the next level, time to ELEVATE.” She adds, “This is without a doubt the strongest, hardworking, and bonded team the Dance Company has ever seen. We always say we are a dance family but this season is just different. It’s on a whole different level of love, passion, commitment, hard work, and pure talent. We have elevated on all levels in our amazing organization and with this team, the sky is the limit.”

This is Siracusa Carlin’s 13th year choreographing for NHS Varsity Dance Company and her 12th as artistic director, head choreographer, and coach. She is an accomplished dancer and award winning choreographer who was born, raised, and trained in New York City.

The sixteenth season has been so much more than sweet to Siracusa Carlin. “This was a season to remember. The growth, the strength, the inspiration, the commitment to each goal - we proved that teamwork makes the dream work.” She adds, “I am so much more than proud. I sit here in complete gratitude. We have elevated to the next level and I have my absolute dream team.”

The Dance Company’s Class of 2023 is the Leadership Team of Captains for their sixteenth season – Maddie Luebkert and Kailey MacDonald. They each shared their experience with the Dance Company, also known as NHSVDC. MacDonald says "NHSVDC has provided me with an outlet to express myself artistically, surrounded by other like-minded dancers. We are not only a team, but a family, encouraging each other to continue improving and growing." Luebkert adds, “In all four years of high school, I have not found a more supportive group of people than the people on this team. Everyone is so motivated and genuinely wants to be here. We all work together to push each other out of our comfort zones and be better than the last time we practiced. Even more important is that we have so much fun, we joke and laugh together constantly. That's what makes our group more than just a dance team, but genuinely my best friends.”

With each dancer having different and diverse backgrounds in dance, the Dance Company has 14 dancers for its sixteenth season. Siracusa Carlin adds, “Each dancer brings something different to the table which is one of the many reasons that makes the Dance Company so unique.” Bringing all of their talents together, the Dance Company has performed in the NHS Fall Pep Rally, NHS Homecoming Parade, NHS basketball games, and the Northville Lighted Parade. Reflecting on the past season, MacDonald says, "We have strengthened our friendships with each other through various team-bonding events during the season, so that when performances like the Pep Rally, Lighted Parade, and our Annual Performance come around, we are an even stronger group.” The annual performance will complete the Dance Company performance lineup for its sixteenth season.

Student choreography, one of the most unique facets of the Dance Company will be featured in its sixteenth annual performance. Seniors and Team Captains, Maddie Luebkert and Kailey MacDonald and Juniors, Rebeca Calderon, Grace Ryba, and Nadia Whitely are the student choreographer team for the Dance Company’s sixteenth season. MacDonald states, "Student choreography allows team members to channel their own inner artists and inspire others. It helps us think in new ways and collaborate with each other throughout the season!" Luebkert and Calderon will be marking their second year as student choreographers and the annual performance will mark the student choreographer debuts of MacDonald, Ryba, and Whitely. Siracusa Carlin adds “This is the strongest student choreographer team we have ever seen. They each brought something different this season and each piece is unique and inspiring. I am so proud of all the hard work and dedication they put in this season.” Looking back on her experience as a student choreographer, Luebkert adds, “I am so thankful for the opportunity to pursue student choreography, as it allows dancers to express themselves and tell a story through a dance that is their own.” Student choreographers work closely with NHSVDC's Artistic Director, Siracusa Carlin to perfect their pieces for the annual performance.

The annual performance will feature solos performed by each of the Dance Company's seniors. The Class of 2023 is represented by the team Captains Maddie Luebkert and Kailey MacDonald. Both Luebkert and MacDonald will each be celebrating four years on the Dance Company.

Tickets for "Elevate" will be available for purchase prior to the start of the performance at the NHS Auditorium Box Office beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 each.