WESTPORT’S ACADEMY OF DANCE PRESENTS OUR
STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE
ABOUT THE STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE
We are excited to present the Academy’s fourth annual Student Choreography Showcase!
Westport’s Academy of Dance Seniors had the opportunity to choreograph on their Jr. & Sr. Company peers. Over three months, students were immersed in all aspects of choreographing a work from start to finish. They were tasked with selecting their song, costumes, and lighting design and rehearsed to hone their dances with meticulous thought and care, bringing their vision to life.
We prioritize exploring various creative paths as students progress through our program. We are thrilled to offer students the opportunity to express their voices in this way and thank you for joining us to see the culmination of their dedication and hard work.
MEET THE CHOREOGRAPHERS
Charlotte Barrato
Charlotte has been dancing at WAD since she was three years old. While at The Academy, she has studied all kinds of different dance styles, with jazz/modern being her favorite. Having performed in numerous Nutcrackers and recitals, Charlotte has enjoyed choreographing her first piece as a new way for her to experience dance.
Charlotte is grateful for the opportunities she has had at WAD and for the close friendships she has made. She would like to thank all her teachers for supporting her throughout her journey, and especially her mother, Mrs. Tollie, who has inspired her to choreograph after watching her create such beautiful performances of her own!
Ava Chun
Ava Chun has been dancing at the Academy since she was 5 years old. Through every Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland, Ava’s love for dance has grown more deeply. Ava finds so much joy in expressing herself through her movements. With styles like hip-hop and jazz, Ava has always been able to bring her special charm to the stage. But it’s not only the dancing that has made WAD so special to her. Every single person at WAD has helped shape her into who she is today. Each teacher and friend has allowed her to call WAD her second home. Although she will miss it dearly next year, Ava is honored that she could experience something as special as Westport’s Academy of Dance.
Next year, Ava wants to continue her passion for dance as she attends Elon University. She plans to major in Elementary Education and minor in dance. Although it won’t be the same, Ava hopes to carry everything she’s learned at WAD to Elon.
She would like to dedicate this piece to her grandparents. Although it’s been a challenge to choreograph, it’s also been the greatest experience of her life. If it weren’t for the 9 girls in her piece, she wouldn’t have been able to do it. Each rehearsal always left her with a smile on her face. Thank you for making this the best experience she could ask for. She would also like to thank her teachers for everything they’ve taught her. Through every correction, they’ve taught her how to be herself. Westport’s Academy of Dance is truly the most incredible place.
Eliza Gurley
Eliza began dancing at the Academy in 6th grade, where she quickly fell in love with ballet. Throughout her years at the academy, she has widened her reach of ballet in different forms, such as performing in the Nutcracker, a tradition she will deeply miss. Eliza is grateful to be given an opportunity to view dance from both the choreographer and the dancer, a task that was a thrilling challenge.
Eliza plans to continue her ballet training either at a school or company. This summer, she will continue to train and hopefully reach opportunities that will allow her to expand her artistic abilities.
She is so thankful for all the teachers who taught her these past six years; you all have made a major impact on her life and shaped who she is today. She’d like to also thank her fellow classmates from the past and present for teaching her the importance of teamwork and loyalty.
Megan Healy
Megan started dancing at the academy when she was three years old. She has trained in ballet, modern, jazz, musical theatre, and hip hop. Throughout her years at the academy, Megan has had the opportunity to perform in both The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland. The academy has been a huge part of Megan’s life, and she is forever grateful for the memories she has made.
Next year, Megan will be attending Bentley University with a major in accounting. Megan hopes to follow her passion for dance while exploring new opportunities along the way.
Megan would like to thank her teachers for creating a space where she could learn, grow, and express herself. Their dedication and encouragement have made a lasting impact, and Megan will always cherish her time spent at WAD.
Sophia Lostumbo
Sophia has been dancing at Westport's Academy of Dance since she was five years old and has loved exploring many different styles of dance during her time here. She has cherished every second with this amazing community and considers the studio a second home. As the curtain closes on her time at the Academy, Sophia is honored to spend her final year dancing alongside these incredible people, especially her little sister. She is so grateful for the opportunity to culminate her journey with this unique choreography experience. Seeing dance through the lens of a choreographer has allowed her to challenge herself creatively while fostering essential collaboration and leadership skills. Sophia is so thankful for the love of movement instilled in her by WAD and plans to share and build upon her love of dance in college. She would like to thank the 6 incredibly talented dancers in her piece for their unwavering dedication, patience, and hard work during each and every rehearsal. She would also like to thank all of the academy staff and company members for making the studio feel like home. Most importantly, Sophia would like to thank her parents for being a constant source of support.
Logan Noorily
Logan Noorily has been dancing at Westport’s Academy of Dance since she was six years old, training in ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Throughout the years, WAD has remained a constant in her life, with its teachers and dancers fostering a strong sense of community and family. Next year, Logan will attend Wake Forest University, where she plans to major in biology and possibly minor in dance. She hopes to continue choreographing while in college. Logan would like to thank her teachers and peers at WAD for their utmost support, as well as the 10 dancers in her piece. She would also like to thank Liora for partnering with her on this creative and rewarding journey.
Liora Perkins
Liora Perkins has been dancing at Westport’s Academy of Dance since 1st grade. Over the years, she has developed a love for ballet, jazz, and modern dance, with each style offering a different way to express herself. Liora has also had the opportunity to perform in The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland for many years, both of which have been key in fueling her passion for dance and the stage.
Next year, she will be attending Tulane University, where she looks forward to continuing her dance journey while also embracing new academic and creative opportunities.
Liora would like to thank all the dancers in her piece and her choreography partner, Logan, for their hard work and collaboration. She is also deeply grateful to her teachers and peers at Westport’s Academy of Dance, whose support has made the studio feel like a second home and has been essential in shaping her growth as both a dancer and a person.
Shelby Weisman
Shelby started dancing at the age of 3 and eventually joined the academy in 1st grade. Throughout the years, she has trained in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theater, and partnering at the studio. She also loves performing in both The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland each year.
Throughout her time at Westport’s Academy of Dance, Shelby has been able to grow as a dancer, teacher, and now as a choreographer. The journey of choreographing her own dance has been extremely rewarding and eye-opening, and she is excited for people to finally see her vision come to life.
Shelby is beyond grateful for the opportunity to choreograph a piece of her own and display all she has learned in her time at WAD.
THE PROGRAM
Feeling Good
Choreographed By: Charlotte Barrato
Music By: Michael Bublé
Create a life that feels good on the inside, not one that just looks good on the outside.
Performed By:
Kate Bulkeley
Andi Jacobs
Vivianna Lostumbo
Eva Matviyenko
Dani Peffer
Ella Turner
Please
Choreographed By: Sophia Lostumbo
Music By: Noah Kahan
“Please” expresses the feelings of homesickness caused by moving on and the trepidation that can accompany chasing new dreams. In my mind, this piece serves as a reminder that while challenging, the next chapters of our lives are exciting, and rather than leaving each other behind, we carry these memories and connections with us, allowing them to shape and guide us as we embrace new beginnings. Alexa, Sutton, Chloe, Maya, Madeline, and Olivia, thank you for bringing my imagination to life. I am so proud of you. Working with you has been the most incredible experience, one that I will forever cherish.
Performed By:
Alexa Beyda
Sutton Bulkeley
Chloe Jordan
Maya Krug
Madeleine McMahon
Olivia Pascal
River
Choreographed By: Shelby Weisman
Music By: Bishop Briggs
Bishop Briggs describes River as a song that “makes people feel empowered” and displays strength. Given the opportunity to create my own piece, I wanted to lean into the force of the powerful females who primarily make up the foundation of our studio. I would like to thank all of my dancers, Cami Barger, Juliet Jannes, Nina Katz, Gia Narang, Ella Turner, and Ella Wyman, for all the energy, effort, and time they have put into this dance over the last few months. I feel so extremely lucky to have had such a hard-working and positive group of girls.
Performed By:
Cami Barger
Juliet Jannes
Nina Katz
Gia Narang
Ella Turner
Ella Wyman
Human
Choreographed By: Megan Healy
Music By: Rag’n’Bone Man
The lyrics “I’m only human after all” and “Don’t put your blame on me” inspired me to choose this song. I wanted this dance to explore what it truly means to be human—acknowledging our mistakes and learning to be kinder to ourselves while leaning on the support of those around us. I am incredibly proud to have worked with seven talented, patient dancers. So, thank you for bringing this vision to life.
Performed By:
Kate Bulkeley
Sutton Bulkeley
Alexis Jacobs
Vivianna Lostumbo
Eva Matviyenko
Alyssa Minnich
Olivia Pascal
Meet You at the Graveyard
Choreographed By: Ava Chun
Music By: Cleffy
This piece is dedicated to my grandparents, who always let me know that I am perfect the way I am. There is never just one path to take; everyone is different and you must be yourself. Each one of my dancers is special and they’ve made this experience truly unforgettable.
Performed By:
Alexa Beyda
Gracie Dunst
Paige Foran
Andi Jacobs
Maya Krug
Madeleine McMahon
Dani Peffer
Avery Schnider
Juliet Varsov
Web
Choreographed By: Eliza Gurley
Music By: web by 070 shake
If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.
Performed By:
Eliza Gurley
Alexis Jacobs
Close to You
Choreographed By: Logan Noorily & Liora Perkins
Music By: Gracie Abrams
"Dance is the timeless bond that keeps us close, even as we grow."
Performed By:
Cami Barger
Gracie Dunst
Paige Foran
Juliet Jannes
Chloe Jordan
Nina Katz
Alyssa Minnich
Gia Narang
Juliet Varsov
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Saturday, 4/5
2:30 & 4:30pm
Sunday, 4/6
1:00, 2:30 & 4:30pm
Runtime of each show is approximately 45 minutes.
LOOKING FORWARD
The 2025 Student Choreography Showcase stands as a cornerstone of an ongoing Master Class and Student Performance series hosted exclusively in THE BLACK BOX THEATER within our state-of-the-art facility.
Please stay tuned for ongoing program announcements and updates.
