The doors of the Walter Reade, Jr. Theatre opened for the school community once again this May for the Spring Dance Recital at The Storm King School. The show featured 21 performances by students in Mrs. Jacobson’s dance program, highlighting the skills they’ve developed over the semester and their passion and commitment to learning dance.

The SKS Dancers: Nyla A. ’25, Minchae K. ’25, Andrea L. ’25, Eylul B. ’26, Ana Clara B. ’26, Maria Julia B. ’26, Martina C. ’27, Juliana D. ’27, Alice K. ’28, Charley K. ’28, Milana R. ’28, Kristen S. ’28, Rikki E. ’28.

Nyla, Andrea and Minchae

The show was also the final performance for graduating seniors making it an emotional evening for Nyla, Minchae, Andrea, and Mrs. Jacobson, who worked closely together during the students’ time in the program and at the School.

The evening began with a group number titled Divas, performed by 11 dancers who brought energy to the stage and set a positive tone for the rest of the show. The program included a mix of solos and group pieces in various styles including lyrical, hip hop, jazz, musical theater, and traditional Chinese and Korean dances.

Seven students performed solo routines that showcased their individual talent and growth. Praying was a lyrical piece featuring Mrs. Jacobson’s Advanced Dance class where the students performed difficult and emotional choreography beautifully. Cultural influences were also part of the program, including the duet O Descobridor by Maria Julia and Juliana (Brazil), Bari  by Minchae (Korea), and a solo by Kristen titled In the late-night drizzle, I inquire about the crabapple (China)

One standout moment came during Human, a duet with Andrea and Mrs. Jacobson. Andrea has been a part of every dance recital since enrolling as a freshman. Mrs. Jacobson was touched by her request to dance together at Andrea’s final performance at SKS.

Mrs. Jacobson and Andrea

After the recital, Mrs. Jacobson shared her thoughts on all of the dancers’ progress. “I’m so proud of how far they’ve come. Some of them had never danced before this year, and it’s been rewarding to watch their confidence grow,” she said.

The final number of the evening, Dancing Through Life, was full of surprises for the audience. From the students bringing out desks and chairs to their hands and feet glowing in the dark in the middle of the number, it was an upbeat, fun performance that left everyone smiling at the end of the night.

The 2025 Spring Dance Recital closed out the arts season at The Storm King School marking another successful semester in the school’s dance program.