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Students Shine Brightly for Marymount's Cabaret Night

On Friday, February 26, Marymount hosted its traditional Cabaret Night. Though this year’s showcase was virtual, the performances shined on through talented student solos and small groups.
Julie Carson, Marymount Director of Dance and Chair of the Performing Arts department shared her amazement of the continued dedication of her students bringing Cabaret Night to life. “Planning for a virtual event is quite different from planning a live event. All of the rehearsals and performances happen from the homes of the students; in most instances, with no one around to appreciate the live performance as it occurs,” said Carson. “It's hard to imagine how the program will come together, given that all of the performances happen separately and are technologically linked together in the final days before the "show" is streamed. We were thrilled with the final outcome, and very excited to see that the students, once again, delivered their very best performance.”

Marymount has a long tradition of hosting this event; one-night-only, to a packed audience of enthusiastic fans. Students are featured in solos and small groups, and it's a wonderful time to enjoy their unique talents.

Alexa Constantine, Conservatory Arts Program Director shared, “Cabaret Night has always been a favorite among students and audience members alike because our students shine as individual soloists performing their favorite music. When we have been in-person, Cabaret Night always has an atmosphere of warmth and support, and I am happy to say our virtual Cabaret Night was effused with the same spirit.”

The process for transforming this would-be live showcase into a virtual event was no small feat. Performing Arts students edited their own audio and essentially create their own music videos. Constantine shared, “The student’s individuality and creativity were highlighted because of this, and I am so proud of the entire performing arts community at Marymount for continuing the tradition of artistic excellence even virtually.”

For Conservatory Arts Program (CAP) dancers, the rehearsal process was similar to years' past. Two groups created work; one duet which explored choreography using the technique of one of the great West Coast dance artists in history, Lester Horton. As the duet grew closer to completion of their choreography, the CAP students discussed the possibility of them performing together live. They were able to record their dance one evening at a local studio where one of the dancers takes class. The dancers were thrilled to dance in the same space, an experience they hadn't had together for almost a year. Their energy was palpable and their performance was exquisite. Additionally, the evening included a strong trio, consisting of dancers whose forte is ballet. They flexed their young choreographic muscles by thinking through how certain choreographic conventions could work virtually, where none of the dancers were in the same space. Their dance also shone with masterful technique and unique creativity.

Overall, Cabaret Night was a brilliant success. Head of School, Jacqueline L. Landry expressed her appreciation for all who helped to bring this virtual event to life. “What a treat for the eyes, ears and spirit it was to see the incredible performances of our students,” she said. “The voices, songs, dance, and instrumentals were outstanding. In COVID we have all been parched for joy and feeling our humanity that this really was a triumph of spirit. The arts could not be needed more at this time and our girls while having such a hard time during remote learning still were able to put their best selves forth.”
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