“Tracing her way through the constellations,” was only one of the lyrics that students danced to during the most recent Dance Production Show. The Berkeley High School Dance Department brought energy and skill during the annual spring showcase, which took place at King Middle School on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 7 p.m.
The two hour long show was a flawless presentation of the variety of dance classes available at BHS, and the overall talent and hard work across all grade and skill levels. Though it was located this semester at King Middle School’s theater, since the Florence Shwimley Little Theater is still under construction, the audience was still nearly filled to the brim with families and friends — all of whom cheered and clapped enthusiastically throughout the entirety of the show.
From hip-hop to contemporary and a special senior dance — the 2026 class of Dance Production defied all expectations.
The show began with an introduction from BHS Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) teacher Linda Carr, who praised the students for their hard work throughout the last semester as they pieced each part of the show together. Most of the pieces are actually student pitched, choreographed and directed.
“That’s what’s so special about the Berkeley High Dance program, is that all students get a chance to choreograph their own style and make their own piece,” BHS junior and Dance Lab dancer and choreographer Mila Rabara said, “That’s pretty unique because in one show we have a bunch of different styles.”
Carr also gave a touching acknowledgement to a former BHS dancer, Gbari Gilliam, who now works professionally, and recently had a major health emergency. Although he is now in recovery, Carr praised his skills and resilience and dedicated this year’s spring showcase to him.
The show began with a performance from the Dance Production Class, which consists of upperclassmen and is audition based. Filled with shadowy red lighting, floorwork, and intense beats, it was a thrilling opening number. But the next piece was particularly intriguing, as it was actually performed by King Middle School’s dance team, as a thank-you for allowing the BHS dancers to use their space. Choreographed by their teacher, Miguel Acero, to the song “Killin’ It” by P1Harmony, the seven middle school dancers were a thoroughly enjoyable secondary number — dressed in white and baby blue sweat suits and filled with energy. They served as a wonderful contrast to the more thriller-esque feeling of the previous piece.
Another highlight of the show was the performance “MTV,” choreographed by senior Margeaux Holland to the song “Girls on Film” by Duran Duran. Consisting of six distinct dancers, the 1980s themed piece was one of the most vibrant and animated of the night. All of the performers were dressed in bright blue and pink, and all wore large smiles on their faces as their enjoyment to perform was clear. With every perfect arm movement and side step, the audience became continually enthralled. At one point in which one of the dancers was lifted in the air, the audience cheered and all started clapping along to the familiar music.
An additional favorite with both the audience and dancers was the post-intermission opening piece, which was “Telephone” by Lady Gaga, choreographed by senior J’Nyah Santos Barreto and junior Kenny Swensen. Having one of the larger casts of the night, as well as being set to an incredibly recognizable song, it quickly got the audience enthralled after a 10-minute intermission.
All of the dancers were dressed in black, and each one emulated the attitude necessary for the song. Bringing their hands to their ears in a mock “telephone” as they mouthed the lyrics, it was certainly an energetic and overall fun piece to watch and experience.
“It was a really hype piece, and a lot of people had a really good energy and the choreography seemed very fun,” BHS junior and Dance Production dancer Aliya Schorr said, “And backstage, the energy was high and everyone was cheering each other on.”
The final performance of the night was a tribute to this year’s 12 graduating seniors, a much larger number than in the past. Choreographed by BHS seniors Santos Barreto and Rose Levine, it was an energetic and fun performance that had the entire audience fully engaged despite being the last dance of the show. All the performers were dressed in school colors, red and yellow, and many of the dancers were also wearing their custom senior shirts.
Their vibrant farewell to Dance Production and BHS, choreographed to Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love,” was one of the most memorable dances of the night.
Other memorable pieces included songs to the likes of Tate McRae, Taylor Swift, and Bad Bunny.
Massive group dances, solos, a variety of choreographers and styles, and over 50 dancers, teachers and lighting techs came together to perform something magical.
All in all, the Dance Department pulled off another incredible showcase. The energy, hard work, and joy that all of the performers put into every dance move was clear to every member of the audience.
“My favorite part is probably the show getting to the point where we all get to show what we’ve been working on,” BHS junior Bria Matubrew said, who danced and choreographed this season, “Seeing the final product of what we’ve made, it’s very rewarding.”