D-E Performing Arts formally introduced the expansion of its dance programming via the first-ever Dance Assembly in Schenck Auditorium last week. Spearheaded by Class of 2027 Dean Stephanie “Tuc” Tucker, Dance at D-E consists of the Dance Club, led by Madigan Kacmar ’26, Dani Dennis ’28, and Adesola Afonja ’27, and a dance class taught by Tuc that “is a collaborative exploration of dance as a vehicle for personal, artistic, and cultural expression.” Associate Head of School Preeti Fibiger was a recent guest instructor, guiding students through the form of Indian classical dance called Bharata Natyam.

During the assembly, Madigan spoke on the importance of dance, noting that “we often don’t realize how much art impacts our everyday lives.” Tuc then discussed her own journey into dance and why it was important to provide D-E students interested in the art form with “a special creative outlet,” and Dani presented a brief history of the Dance Club. D-E Faculty were showcased in videos highlighting their personal experiences with dance and capturing some of them in motion. Crowd-pleasing live performances included several freestyle dancers; a group dance to a medley of pop songs; a tap duet co-starring Class of 2026 Dean Sclafani; and a Faculty ensemble dancing to Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison”—featuring surprise guest Head of School Dr. Calleroz White. As Madigan aptly expressed, “Sometimes we just have to dance!”