For years, the cornerstone of the beloved MHS PACE program has been Kinesthesia: the yearly performance-based showcase where student artists have the opportunity to direct and participate in their own pieces. This year’s Kinesthesia was no different, featuring a wide range of pieces and talents across all four grades.
This year, many pieces had different messages and meanings. While some were more resonant and deep, others were upbeat and full of action, including Isla Sommella’s (’26) “Telephone.” While Sommella’s idea for the performance was constructed from years of experience in PACE, for others, Kinesthesia marked the first time they performed in front of a large crowd. As Isabela Ducatti (‘29) expressed, “my first ‘kin’ was also my first time dancing, but it was really so nice. Spending time with people in the dance studio, the quick changes and even the long rehearsals are all things I’ll miss.”
Along with first-time dancers, the show also features pieces directed by new choreographers. In Camila Moreira’s (’27) experience, “choreographing a big piece was not exactly my plan first of all… Of course I had to make many changes to incorporate everyone in the group’s skills, but it came out so well.”
According to Natalie Alvarez-Perez (’28), “The audition process was very exciting and a bit scary since you’re seeing all these amazing dancers and having to audition beside them, but it’s also very helpful to meet who could possibly be a future castmate and friend.”
Both performers and choreographers take this show extremely seriously, and rehearsals can often feel stressful under pressure to make every right move. However, amidst this stress, pressure, and nervousness, performers are always having fun, and learning new things behind the scenes.
According to Olivia Ribeiro (’29), “even though it was a lot of work on my body, it was a lot of fun and we built community.”
Similarly, Camila Moreira (’27) commented that “dancers get so close to their choreographers and we build such memorable bonds that it all becomes so funny and it feels like a family always!”
However, getting everything that you see on stage together is not easy: it’s a long and complex process spanning multiple months. Director of Kinesthesia, Mrs. Parsley explained that “In December and January, our juniors and seniors begin to work on choreography in class.” She noted that in addition to generating ideas and filling out choreographer’s proposals, dancers also need to prepare for auditions that begin in February along with rehearsals. Parsley, who joined the PACE program in 2011, and since has made great contributions to the program, also mentioned that “Kinesthesia is one of my favorite parts of the year. I enjoy seeing the creativity of our students.”
The hard work that all of these students put in is clear, and when watching Kinesthesia, you will find yourself cheering for all the pieces. Maddie Lilien (’28) put the attitude of the audience into words perfectly: “I thought that the show was incredible and captivating, with meaningful performances that conveyed a nice message. I even got the chills from a couple and I watched all three nights because of how good it was!”
