Dozens of Upper School students came together under the direction of seniors Celeste Phengpumipanit and Ashley Wilson for our annual Dance for Life benefit show on March 3-4, 2017.
The event raised over $3,000 for Dance for Life, a charitable organization whose mission is to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, education, and prevention, as well as other life-threatening diseases, while promoting the art of dance in Chicago.
Phengpumipanit stated that the show was “such an enriching experience. Bringing a group of people from all backgrounds and grades together to fight for a good cause was so fulfilling.” Knowing that they wanted to honor the importance of this event, Phengpumipanit and Wilson started working hard last summer. Wilson noted that they agreed that “organization, attendance, and creativity was vital for a good performance.” To promote morale, Wilson said that the “one lesson that we implemented in every student was to keep going. Whether they made a mistake or came on stage late, we encouraged them to always keep going with a smile.”
MPA students organize, coordinate, choreograph, promote, and produce the show to raise awareness for the organization. Types of dance performed this year included hip-hop, ballet, and cultural dances from India and Spain. This is the 15th year of the student-run dance show.
Click here for pictures.