This spring, the PACE department will perform its annual student-choreographed dance concert— Kinesthesia! Considering that it’s the production’s 50th anniversary, the dancers will be taking Mamaroneck High School through a blast from the past, with this year being all about the decades to honor the evolution of Kinesthesia!
In the spring of 1974, PACE decided to produce and choreograph their very own dance production. Initially, the performance was aimed to be a “children’s theater piece.” Martie Barylick, the first PACE dance teacher, chose the name ‘Kinesthesia’ to capture the performance’s artistic depth and expressive nature, rather than a simple title like “PACE Dance Show.” The students took the stage on February 11, 1975 exhibiting original choreography done by the students themselves.
As the PACE department evolved, so did Kinesthesia. Students began to explore creatively and create their own music compositions, dance routines, and forms of entertainment. This artistic freedom sets PACE apart from other high school performing arts programs.
This year, there will be a total of 17 original dance pieces performed in Kinesthesia. These dances are entirely student-imagined and choreographed by juniors and seniors in the PACE program. These students have a say in every aspect of the intense process, from creating original choreography, choosing a song, casting dancers, and even designing the lighting for their piece. The students dedicate long hours twice a week after school to rehearsing for and refining each piece in preparation for the April performance. The last week of rehearsal is known as “tech week,” where the dancers perform their routines to their peers in preparation for debuting in front of an audience.
“Each year is extremely different, with new choreography and pieces,” shares Harper Orban (’26). The junior, who has been a dedicated PACE member and dancer for Kinesthesia since her freshman year, continues to emphasize that “no matter what, [Kinesthesia] is always my favorite part of the year.” For the PACE department as well, Kinesthesia is “one of–if not the most–anticipated events of each year,” Orban reflects.
Typically, the seniors of the PACE 4 dance class perform the final piece in the show. What sets this year apart from previous years is that the seniors decided they wanted to do a mash-up of songs solely from the decades that Kinesthesia has been alive—from the ’70s to now.
Kinesthesia director and PACE dance teacher Allison Parsley comments on Kinesthesia as her “favorite time of the year.” She explains how she worked with the seniors to choose a song from throughout the decades for the seniors’ final mash-up piece. Parsley notes that “our only stipulation was that the song had to have the word dance in the title.” Additionally, each song is “upbeat, very fun, [and] very recognizable,” Parsley mentions. She believes these throwback choices will make the show a memorable experience for everybody. The dancers will also be performing in period-appropriate attire, such as “leg warmers for their ‘80s performance” in spirit of the retro song choices.
Among the diverse array of routines this year is Orban’s own piece, choreographed to “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” by Fergie, GoonRock, and Q-Tip. Inspired by the Roaring ‘20s and The Great Gatsby film adaptation, Orban hopes her piece will “get the crowd excited and leave them wanting more.” She continues, describing that “it is very 1920s-inspired, and my dancers will be in cute little flapper dresses in red, black, and gold.”
Another dance routine, choreographed and directed by Jason Robalino (’25), is a dramatic piece to the song “The World We Knew” by Frank Sinatra. Robalino wanted it to be centered around “two” simultaneous “duets that spiral into a story of [where the] two leading women spiral into a descent of madness by the two male dancers.” As the dance gains intensity, the theme of “madness” begins to become apparent. This piece is a representation of the artistic and creative value that Kinesthesia holds, allowing students to embrace a distinct form of expression.
Over the past 50 years, Kinesthesia has continued to evolve, embracing modern trends while still honoring its rich foundation and importance to the Mamaroneck community. Parsley describes each of this year’s pieces as “timely.” The plethora of renowned musical artists featured in dances this year stretches from Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears to Frank Sinatra. The audience can expect to see a wide variety of dance styles, including lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, musical theater, and tap.
The great thing about Kinesthesia is that it “caters to everyone,” Parsley also notes, specifying that with the vast variety of dance routines or musical “remixes,” there is something for everyone to enjoy. Robalino agrees, noting, “What stands out to me is the variety of pieces [in Kinesthesia].” Although Robalino has been a dancer for Kinesthesia since his freshman year, he continues to be astonished by the diverse range of dance routines, songs, and choreography. This unique variety is “exciting” and “refreshing,” Robalino describes.
Maryleigh Moroz (’25) hopes that the audience will appreciate the dedication and effort that the dancers have poured into their work. Moroz will be performing a self-choreographed tap routine that involves “intricate movements,” she explains. She further emphasizes how the dancers have all worked “super hard in learning their dances and choreographing [which involved] a lot of time.” The Kinesthesia dancers encourage everyone to come and witness the vibrant imagination, relentless hard work, and countless hours that the dancers have invested into this process.
Additionally, Parsley hopes that the show will evoke a sense of “joy” in the audience. Her focal goal is for the audience to “have smiles on [their] faces and leave feeling upbeat and positive.” The students’ creativity and passion light up the stage, which will undoubtedly resonate with the audience.
“To have Kinesthesia celebrating its 50th anniversary is mind-boggling,” says Parsley. “Dance has been here in the walls of Mamaroneck High School for 50 years and has been performed for 50 years,” she reflects, emphasizing the program’s notable milestone. Students have danced across the stage for five decades and continue to come to see the next generation. “Alumni still return to watch the show, which is incredible,” Parsley comments.
PACE serves as a creative outlet where students can venture out and explore dance by experimenting with different styles, pushing their boundaries, and embracing new forms of expression; Kinesthesia allows the audience to witness this creativity unfold on stage. Be sure to catch the show from April 3rd to 5th to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and artistry of the PACE dancers and choreographers!
