Principia College’s annual Dance Production wrapped up its 2025 performances in mid-April after months of preparation by students, faculty, and guest choreographers.
Dance Production, often one of Principia’s largest and most collaborative art events, allows students to choreograph and perform original works across a wide range of dance styles.
“This show was mostly student-produced. Dance prod is always mostly student-produced,” Erin Lane, Dance Production director, said. “We have guests that choreograph and faculty that choreograph, but I just would love the student body to know that this was their friends’ gift to them.”
The creative process began long before opening night, often with the slightest spark of an idea. Student choreographers usually shaped their pieces within the year before rehearsals started, sometimes starting with only music or a single movement concept.
“Every student choreographer’s journey is highly unique, not a single one of them follows the same path,” Lane said.
Junior Anna Dilley, who both danced and choreographed this year, learned the value of flexibility and collaboration through the process of bringing ideas to life.
“I think I learned the importance in not needing to be perfect first try,” Dilley said.
Freshman Raina Green, who returned to dance this year after time away, found the community of Dance Production to be as powerful as the dancing itself.
“Just being on stage with everybody, I was so happy to be with everyone because it was such a sweet moment,” Green said. “I get to do what I love with everybody who loves the same thing.”
Senior Valeria Robalino, who choreographed and danced this year, described the experience as deeply meaningful.
“I’m feeling very grateful and nostalgic in a way. But my heart is fulfilled, you know,” Robalino said. “It was such a wonderful Dance Prod. Every year is wonderful, but I feel like this year’s Dance Prod was just so happy and joyful. I’m just so grateful that my senior year was like this.”
In the weeks before the performances, rehearsals intensified, leading into tech week, when dancers and the technical crew worked together in McVay to finalize lighting, sound, and staging.
“It’s fun, it’s exciting, the floor is beautiful,” Lane said, describing this phase as both challenging and rewarding. “And it’s one of the first times we collaborate with all the tech people too.”
Beyond the performances, Dance Prod left many students with personal growth and meaningful connections. Lane noted that the process transforms those involved every year.
“Dance Prod has just shown me that dance can look like however you want to,” Green said.
Now that the curtain has closed, many dancers are already thinking about how they will apply what they learned. Lane emphasized that they are not the same people they were just over twelve weeks ago and shared that one of the most rewarding parts of the process is witnessing their growing confidence and individual and spiritual development.
Already, many are looking ahead. Green hopes to step into the role of choreographer in future productions, bringing her own ideas to life. Dilley is excited to explore deeper collaboration, experimenting with partnering and more complex formations in her next choreography projects. Robalino, preparing to graduate, shared that her experiences with Dance Production have changed the way she sees dance itself.
“I think that Dance Prod truly changed my life,” Robalino said. “because dance is not just moving, it’s expressing, it’s communicating, it’s collaboration, it’s community.”
Lane found it incredibly moving to watch students open themselves to growth throughout the production process. She expressed gratitude for the trust her students placed in her as a mentor, guide, and supporter throughout the semester.