News Post

The St. Joseph’s Academy dance department presented its annual fall concert on December 10 in two performances at the LSU Union Theatre. The show, Channel Surfing, was choreographed by dance instructors Jade McCune, Alyse Carriere, Olivia Hamilton and Melissa Rossi. 

Each performance began with a pre-show number by the Red Steppers and senior solos. Then, students in Dance I-V performed dances to songs related to various television networks, ranging from History Channel and Disney Channel to Nickelodeon and MTV. SJA basketball coach Tim Waller was the special guest dancer to the performance tied to ESPN. 

McCune said the performances were truly special. She expressed her pride in everyone involved in the concert. “I’m so thankful and proud of our dance teachers,” she said. “Each piece was filled with so much love, creativity and intention. They care deeply about every student, and it shows in their work. I’m equally proud of our dancers. They have worked so hard this semester, supported one another and formed such sweet bonds along the way. Watching them shine onstage was incredibly special.”

McCune is celebrating her 10th year at SJA. She said thinking about the growth in the dance program makes her emotional. “I’m so grateful that SJA provides a space for students to express themselves through dance, and I feel lucky to help guide them on that journey,” she said. 

Carriere said the show was not only beautiful but was fun from start to finish. “Standing in the wings, I even found myself getting emotional watching the hard work of all of our students and teachers come to life on stage,” she said. “Seeing their joy and talent shine made the whole night feel incredibly special.” 

Senior Nola Adams said the dance show is the highlight of the semester and what she looks forward to the most. She served as an assistant this semester, giving her an entirely new experience with the dance program. “I absolutely loved my class, and I am so glad I got to get so close with all of them,” she said. “I also learned so much about the responsibilities of a dance assistant and the behind-the-scenes work of the show. The shows were so exciting, and I am beyond proud of all the girls. I felt proud and thankful for this community of dance. I was proud of all the girls who were dancing in their first show and even more for my senior girls who were taking the stage for the last time. I am so thankful for the teachers who work so hard for this show and for the girls in dance. I am sad to be leaving the SJA dance community soon, but I have no doubt that this experience is being left in great hands. I can’t wait to see all the shows in the future.”

Senior Danielle Mistric performed her senior solo to a cover of Where is My Mind by David Chen and Annie Jantzer. “It was amazing,” she said. “The rush of quick changes, performing a solo I love and all these niche things to dance are part of what makes it so special. Since the teachers are authentic dance professionals and the show is so well produced, I think that makes it that much more fun. As a senior, it was so beautiful being able to see the dance program evolve even further over the past few years.”

Senior Giulia Arion danced her senior solo to All I Ask by Adele. “The dance show is the best day of the year,” she said. “It holds so many memories, and doing it for a fourth and final time as a senior was something so special. Being able to share the stage with my best friends and do what we love is something I will never take for granted. Finally, being able to perform my solo will forever be a core memory for me. Hearing people in the audience cheer and yell ‘Gwee’ is something I’ll always cherish.”