For an event deemed the “HOPE” Dance Concert, the young dancers must summon all hope they can muster to rise above hardships this year. After grueling months of practice, performance, and determination, the HOPE Concert was ready and set for the stage until several girls encountered what everyone had feared. 

One by one, the enthusiastic performers started dropping due to various debilitating injuries and health concerns. Aubrey Gibson, 12th grade, who was about to grace the stage for her final bow, broke her foot on a scavenger hunt for the senior class merely two days before the show. Additionally, Gianna Dotorre, 10th grade, broke her toe, leaving her forced to opt out as well. With two dancers down for the count, the team struggled to stay above water, already scrambling for last-minute substitutes. Then, to everyone’s dismay, Angelica King, 9th grade, received word from her doctor that her asthma and blood pressure have escalated, obligating her to retire from her dancing days. How will the show go on without the team with which they had practiced? Lastly, and ever-unfortunately, Alyssa Ochoa, 10th grade, slipped and bruised her tailbone at work, rendering movement immensely uncomfortable. However, she has chosen to push through, unwilling to waver despite this setback.

Regardless of the numerous obstacles and misfortunes that have salted the One School Dance department and its core contributors, the HOPE Concert will live on, flourishing in the expression of perseverance and grit, all while their teammates cheer them on in support. In fact, Amrin Hicks, 12th grade, emerges to make a reappearance, practicing the day before the show, to learn some of the dances and fill in wherever she is needed. To honor and wish for the quick recovery of their fellow dancers, Aylie Owens, seventh grade, called for a prayer circle. Everyone gathered around, empathizing with those who could not make it onstage, urging their rehabilitation, and encouraging those who could and their resilient performances. On Saturday, April 13th, these show-women will nevertheless proceed with the concert, ensuring the beauty and grace they have all worked so hard to produce.