Dance students present ‘Unison’

High School and Middle School dance students will perform at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 in the Auditorium.
By Caren Lyons, HS Dance Teacher

Every semester, each dance class makes a list of goals and asks to guide our collaborative process of learning and growing as artists, students, and dancers. A few of this year’s statements were:
  • Create in the moment, edit later, and revise last.
  • Consider everything as an experiment.
  • Be vulnerable. 
After setting these goals, the class sets off on a semester-long journey of creative expression. As is expected, we run into obstacles along the way as students navigate rigorous class schedules, other extracurricular commitments, and more, we consistently return to those expectations designed at the start. Despite setbacks and challenges, something extraordinary has emerged; with student leadership, agency, and perseverance at the helm, a show has taken shape. 
 
In a process melding artistic expression, mental and physical development, and intellectual curiosity together, the students have developed an understanding of their bodies as tools of expression, stepped outside of their comfort zones, and in the process, created “Unison,” a performance title envisioned by Callie Lewis '23 that we hope to continue using as an identifying moniker for our school’s dance program. 
 
Intended as a nod to our school acronym, the title represents the sense of connection our dance students develop through the commitment to vulnerability and open mindedness set at the start of the year as well as the unison often associated with dancers’ movements. 
 
We invite you to join us for the culmination of the semester’s work and creativity in “Unison” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 in the Auditorium. The production will feature works presented by Middle School and High School dance students. Admission is free.
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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.