Northville Varsity Dance Company's 17th Annual Performance

The Northville High School Varsity Dance Company presents “On The Dance Floor” on Friday, February 2nd, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The annual performance is the culmination of the Dance Company’s seventeenth season and will showcase the diversity, creativity, and artistic expression of the Dance Company through solo and group performances featuring professional choreography and student choreography. The dance genres of jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and tap will be represented.

Carly Siracusa Carlin, the Dance Company's Artistic Director says the idea for the theme “On The Dance Floor” came to her upon reflection of the last seventeen seasons. “On this dance floor of life, there are always ups and downs, triumphs and tribulations, unexpected twists and turns, the best of times and the absolute worst of times. Thinking about where we started and the journey to where we are now, is nothing but remarkable. As the first dance group established at Northville High School – to be the longest standing dance organization and still be thriving and stronger than ever; operating more as a family than a team; after 17 seasons is amazing. When something is created out of passion and love, it will always prevail.” She adds, “This season brought us 9 new dancers and we are strong team of 20 – a number we have not seen for a few seasons. To see this truly special and one of a kind organization growing again fills my heart with the purest of joy. We made the adjustments needed and navigated this beautiful season as a bigger and stronger dance family and did what we do best!”

This season’s annual performance takes on more special meaning for the Dance Company, as they are dedicating their performance in loving memory of Nicole Doerr, who passed away tragically in April 2023. Siracusa Carlin adds, “We finished out last year’s season on an all time high, but soon after, we lost one of our own. Nicole and her amazing mom Sally, were an integral part of our organization when it began 17 years ago, and as everyone knows, NHSVDC family is forever.”

This is Siracusa Carlin’s 14th year choreographing for NHS Varsity Dance Company and her 13th as artistic director, head choreographer, and coach. Born, raised, and trained in New York City, she is an accomplished dancer and award winning choreographer. Siracusa Carlin reflects on the seventeenth season with pride and gratitude. “We never fail to make our magic happen both on and off the dance floor. I am so very proud of our team of 20 and grateful more than ever to continue to lead this organization.” She adds, “We made our adjustments and hit our stride. Beyond proud of all the goals we reached, the growth that was made, and the commitment to make our dance family stronger and more powerful than ever. We put in the work on the dance floor, and never stopped showing each other love and support.”

The Dance Company’s Leadership Team of Captains for their seveneeth season is also their Senior Class of 2024 – Rebeca Calderon, Elizabeth Felosak, Grace Ryba, Nadia Whitely, and Megan Zurawski. Also known as NHSVDC, the Dance Company has made a profound, lasting impression on its Captains. Whitely says, “Being a part of NHSVDC has truly changed my life. Dancing with our family of dancers builds bonds throughout high school and creates a support system. Being able to lead such a team has benefited my leadership skills and myself as a person. I would not change this experience for anything else.” Zurawski adds, “Joining the Dance Company has had a transformative impact on my life, leading to a renewed love for dance. The supportive and invigorating atmosphere of not only the coach but also my teammates has allowed me to rediscover the joy that had initially drawn me to dance. Attending practices became a source of inspiration and motivation, and the camaraderie among teammates reignited my passion. Choosing to join the dance company stands out as one of the most rewarding decisions of my high school experience.” Calderon adds, “This team is another family. Together, we help each other grow as dancers and create an environment where everyone can feel welcomed as we pursue our passion for dance.” Ryba adds, “I love being on dance company because everyone is so supportive of each other, and we all push each other to be our best.” Reflecting fondly on her experience on the Dance Company, Zurawski concludes “I am very appreciative for the wonderful experience I gained during my time with the NHSVDC. Being able to showcase my passion for dance on behalf of the school and contributing to such an exceptional group of talented girls has been truly fulfilling. The lasting bonds and friendships I cultivated throughout the years have become a very important part of my high school journey. The Dance Company has become an extension of my family, creating a dynamic environment that I will forever cherish. The camaraderie and friendships developed have become an integral part of my high school experience. Each practice and performance serves as a bright spot in my day, reinforcing the notion that the team is not just a group of dancers but a closely-knit family.”

For its seventeenth season, the Dance Company has 20 dancers, each having different and diverse backgrounds in dance. Siracusa Carlin adds, “What makes us unique and so different from the rest is that with each dancer bringing something different to the dance floor, it creates an environment for growth and learning not only from me but from each other. It also broadens their perspectives on of the art of dance and allows them to be constantly inspired and supported.” Bringing all of their talents together, the Dance Company has performed in the NHS Fall Pep Rally, NHS Homecoming Parade, NHS basketball games, and the Northville Lighted Parade. After the annual performance, an additional post-season halftime performance at the Northville vs. Novi Boys Varsity Basketball game on February 9th will complete the Dance Company performance lineup for its seventeenth season.

Student choreography, one of the most unique facets of the Dance Company will be featured in its seventeenth annual performance. Seniors and Team Captains, Rebeca Calderon, Elizabeth Felosak, Grace Ryba, Nadia Whitely, Megan Zurawski and Sophomores Aurelia Calabrese and Kano Yoneyama are the student choreographer team for the Dance Company’s seventeeth season. Felosak states, “Being able to participate in student choreography is a really meaningful and unique experience within dance company. It has helped me step into a leadership role this year while also providing an amazing opportunity for collaboration with my teammates!” Calderon will be marking her third year as student choreographer, Ryba and Whitely will be marking their second year as student choreographers, and the annual performance will mark the student choreographer debuts of Felosak, Zurawski, Calabrese, and Yoneyama. Siracusa Carlin adds “This is an amazing student choreographer team. They each have their own unique style and each piece brings something different to our annual performance. I am so proud of all of their hard work, commitment and dedication.” Looking back on her experience as a student choreographer, Calderon adds, "As a student choreographer, I have been able to take on a leadership role, which has allowed me to improve my communication and organizational skills as a person. It has also allowed for further collaboration with my teammates, allowing us to grow closer together as we work to showcase a piece that we created together.” Student choreographers are selected by audition and once selected work closely with NHSVDC's Artistic Director, Siracusa Carlin to perfect their pieces for the annual performance.

For Siracusa Carlin, the Leadership Team of five seniors hold a special place in her heart and having this be their last season is especially bittersweet. “They are my “Force 5,” the absolute back bone and heartbeat of this team. A force to be reckoned with. The power, strength, and love that they bring both on and off the dance floor is unmatched. Their talent and determination are as big as their beautiful hearts. They are great leaders and role models and are always leading with kindness, patience, and their belief in their team never wavers. I am so proud of these dancers and their extraordinary growth. It’s been one amazing journey, one I would never change a second of.” The annual performance will feature solos performed by each of the Dance Company's Senior Class of 2024 – Rebeca Calderon, Elizabeth Felosak, Grace Ryba, Nadia Whitely, and Megan Zurawski. Calderon, Felosak, Ryba, and Zurawksi will be celebrating four years on the Dance Company.

Tickets for "On The Dance Floor" will be available for purchase prior to the start of the performance at the NHS Auditorium Box Office beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 each.