On February 11th and 12th, the Bryn Mawr Dance Company appeared back on stage after many COVID-related setbacks fully masked and performance-ready. “It was absolutely fabulous,” said Ms. Tankersley, “I’m really proud of this group - they worked so hard and were so supportive of one another.” The seniors, Jordan Flowers, Sloane Huey, and Stasia Kelly, were able to perform their final concert at Bryn Mawr in front of a live audience. “Getting to be on stage with an actual audience was so rewarding,” said Sloane Huey ’22.

After the pandemic hit, the company had to completely restructure its practices and performance to adapt to COVID protocol. Choreography was developed and learned through Zoom, since some dancers were learning virtually, and the 2021 performance was completely pre-recorded. “Everyone felt like last season was sort of unresolved,” said Sloane. COVID also impacted relationships between the upperclassmen and underclassmen, as it was difficult for them to bond with each other over Zoom. 

When Bryn Mawr began to shift back to more typical operations in both classes and activities, Dance Company came back strong, excited to simply be in the studio as a group.  Sloane comments, “My favorite piece was probably the senior piece. I have been anxiously waiting for my class’ senior piece since freshman year, and it is truly such a special part of a Dance Company member’s senior year. I felt so connected to my fellow seniors, and getting to share the stage with them was such an honor.” Motivated by the ability to do an in-person performance, the dancers put on a successful show that was especially meaningful to the seniors.

The seniors have high hopes about the future of the dance company. They encourage anyone interested to try out and hope that future members will think of it as a home. Ms. Tankersley is also excited to welcome new members and find new opportunities for the dancers, saying, “I’m looking forward to a possible NYC trip and local workshops and festivals next year!”

It is clear that a great amount of effort was put into Dance Company’s performance this year, and the results were rewarding to all those involved. By pushing through the difficulty of the past season and coming back strong, these dancers demonstrated that setbacks can be used as motivation to become one’s best self.

All photos courtesy of David Stephens. Cover photo edited by Katie Z. ‘22.