This year, the student-led Concord Academy Dance Club is under the dynamic leadership of Sophia Zhou ’26 and Foster Woodberry ’27. Designed as an inclusive space, the club welcomes dancers of all backgrounds and skill levels, fostering a sense of community among its members. “[Dance Club is] a space for dancers to explore different techniques and to train themselves outside of the curriculum….We are hoping to get all the dancers together, or even non-dancers, who want to explore a new style,” said Woodberry.
The co-heads aim to teach a variety of dance techniques across multiple genres — including ballet, modern, jazz, and street dance — while prioritizing enjoyment and camaraderie. In addition to structured classes, the club encourages personal choreography, allowing participants to express their uniqueness and creativity. Through this approach, Dance Club not only hones technical skills but also celebrates individual artistic voices within the group.
Last year, the club successfully hosted a spring showcase performance organized by the co-heads. The event featured a collaborative group piece, with each participant contributing to the choreography and movement structure. In addition to this collective effort, several solo performances were presented by individual choreographers. “We filmed a lot of it, and we still have the material. It’s a great place to present any work, especially for dancers who aim to apply for scholarships or who want videos of themselves. It’s the place to make their own choreography,” Woodberry shared. Some examples of last year's choreography include ballet, as well as individual improvisations.
In the 2025-2026 school year, the dance Club has implemented several new initiatives aimed at fostering even more creativity and collaboration between its members. This year, the co-heads have decided to create a cohesive dance piece, integrating ballet choreography as a unified effort. Weekly lessons will encompass various dance genres, with specific sessions dedicated to technique workshops, where foundational ballet and modern movements will be taught. Additionally, designated choreography sessions will encourage students to collaborate and improvise movements as a group. Club meetings will be held weekly, with genres rotating based on members' interests. Dance Club is also planning to participate in both Winterfest and the Spring Showcase, and individual members are encouraged to lead their own performances.
One of the highlights brought by the co-head’s new initiatives this year is the mastery sessions, featuring guest instructors who will provide training in various dance techniques. “We hope to invite outside teachers to lead sessions across a range of styles, and these events will be announced via the school’s email to ensure broad participation,” Woodberry stated. With these exciting developments, Dance Club is poised for a successful year ahead!