On April 7, the Adagio Dance Company dazzled the Brandeis campus with their semester showcase, themed “Hollywood.” The performance, comprising 17 dynamic routines, brought to life a vibrant spirit and showcased the wide variety of dance.
The evening kicked off with an energetic number from Adagio’s Executive Board. Choreographed by Hannah Pearlman and Athena Lam, the group set the stage with a powerful rendition of “Confident.” The E-Board members, including Athena Lam ’25, Hannah Pearlman ’24, Christina Lin ’25, Elizabeth Liu ’26, Sophia Lombardi ’26, Linting Ma ’27 and Irina Znamirowski ’24 delivered a performance that was both bold and inspiring.
MC Spencer Lee adeptly guided the audience through the evening, ensuring a seamless transition between performances. His vibrant commentary not only heightened the excitement but also helped to connect the audience with each act, whether cheering for familiar faces or new talents.
Throughout the show, the dedication and skill of all performers were on full display. Each dance featured intricate choreography and impressive technical feats, including multiple lifts and complex sequences that left the audience in awe. The performers’ hard work and passion were evident, making each routine a testament to their commitment to their art.
A notable performance of the evening was “Heathers!”, choreographed by Irina Znamirowski. The piece featured dancers Kaylie Schnieder ’27 as Veronica Sawyer, Brynn Domsky ’27 as JD, Irina Znamirowski ’24 along with Nataly Dubrovskaya ’26 as Heather Chandler, Zaniah Puchalski ’26 and Dina Naimark Goldberg ’27 as Heather McNamara and Ellie Greene ’24 and Nonie McColgan ’25 as Heather Duke. This routine brought to life the well-known musical “Heathers” with vibrant energy and a fresh interpretation created by Znamirowski’s choreography, showcasing several songs in a well combined mash-up. The dancers skillfully used costume changes and the iconic scrunchies to depict character evolution and shifts in power, encapsulating the drama and intensity of the musical in every move.
A particularly moving performance was “Devil,” choreographed by Nonie McColgan (performed by Eliza Bier ’26, Nataly Dubovskaya ’26, Eva Dzus ’26, Ellie Greene ’24, Anna Martin ’26, Nonie McColgan ’25, Dina Naimark Goldberg ’27, Zaniah Puchalski ’26 and Emma Weston ’26). This routine was a mesmerizing fusion of dramatic lighting shifts and compelling dance movements, creating an indescribable yet profoundly impactful atmosphere. The dancers’ execution conveyed an intensity that captivated and resonated with the audience.
Another important aspect of the show to note is that some of the dances had different meanings to them, which could be found in the program. For example, “Chandelier,” choreographed by Maya Shavit (performed by Jennifer Andelman ’27, Cierra Choy ’26, Isla Cope ’27, Alodie Gould-Wagenaar ‘26, Maya Shavit ’27 and Mia Weiner ’27) was about unhealthy relationships and their power dynamics. “Honey (Are You Coming?)” choreographed by Eliza Bier and Anna Martin (performed by Eliza Bier ’26, Grace Delaney ’26, Jessica Freedberg ’24, Athena Lam ’25, Sophia Lombardi ’26, Anna Martin ’26, Nonie McColgan ’25, Michela Michielli ’25 and Sophie Sheklin ’26) explored the emotional turmoil of being an overworked and overwhelmed college student. A number of the other dances also contained important themes, such as treasuring oneself and having hopes for the future. The exploration of these different complicated relationships and emotions brought a true significance to the show, as many of the audience members could relate to the themes that choreographers sought to convey, especially considering that this was a show created by college students for college students.
Overall Adagio’s “Hollywood” night was more than just a dance show; it was a celebration of the creativity and hard work of the Brandeis dance community, as well as communicating important messages that the audience will likely hold on to long after the final dance. With every step, Adagio not only entertained but also reminded us of the magical, transformative capacities of dance.
