North Atlanta High School’s spring dance concert took place on April 26 and 27. 180 dancers were featured in over 20 different dance pieces. The concert’s theme was “Through Our Eyes” and was meant to depict the  daily lives and issues of teenagers. Students choreographed several pieces, under the leadership of Tamara Irving and guest instructors, Ray Hall, Jennifer Mason, and Marcy Lefkoff, Samba Diallo, and Cici Kelley.

With the expansive pieces involved in the recital, extensive technical work was required, requiring tremendous effort and work from North Atlanta’s lighting and sound team. Theater manager, Louis Alfred’s remarked that the behind the scenes aspects were “extremely challenging”, but “rewarding”.

Alfred also remarked that he gained renewed appreciation for the dedication from the teens involved, demonstrating how hard everyone involved worked to ensure a success.

Not only was the play meant to enlighten the audience about adolescent’s struggles, but it also served as a farewell dance to many North Atlanta seniors. Several seniors had their choreographed pieces featured in the show, including Crysten Williams, Cierra Martin, Andre Goddard, Jhane Barnes and a hand full of others.

The show, “Through Our Eyes”, were largely driven by the student’s own experiences and struggles. Accompanying many of pieces were quotes written by the students, giving depth to the pieces and further connect both the dancers and the audience to the dances. Instructor Tamara Irving commented, “The show came about through a journal assignment the students completed. I realized that the students struggled with the immense responsibility they all have–a responsibility I was never experienced in my youth. I was very pleased with the entire show, and the depth of the performances.”

“Through Our Eyes” featured an emotional ballad choreographed by sophomore Reid Newton. Reid’s piece focused on her friend Summer Dale, a sophomore at Riverwood High School in Sandy Springs who is struggling with cancer. The video is shown below.

The work put into the shows was hard, but well worth it in the end. With only three weeks to prepare for the show, time was valuable. Every rehearsal was significant. Guest choreographers did not work with the dancers every rehearsal, which raised the stakes.

The show itself was fantastic, and reflected the time, effort, and energy put in by all of the students.

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