The dance program had its first performance of the year during Family Weekend on Sept. 27. The showcase offered various dance styles and talent.
Source: Contributed by Ava Leddy, ’27
From Irish step dance to hip-hop, the audience experienced a diverse lineup featuring multiple dances led by student choreographers and professional faculty members from the program. Each routine showcased the rhythm and unique style of the performance.
Ashley Newman is the newest director of the dance program as of August 2025.
“In our dance program, we have lots of different opportunities like claddagh, tap, hip-hop, ballet, and then company dancers and ensemble members also perform,” said Newman. “It’s essentially a showcase of all the various groups that are a part of the dance program.”
Senior Kristen Alleva, Dance Program President, says she feels Family Weekend is particularly special for the dancers.
“The Family Weekend show is very special because we get the opportunity to share our love of dance with Sacred Heart families,” said Alleva.
One of the standout groups featured in the showcase was the Claddagh Dancers, SHU’s very own Irish Dance team, famous for its footwork and culture.
Unlike traditional Irish step dancing, Claddagh focused less on technique and more on expression. The goal of the performance was to have fun and celebrate Irish culture.
Junior Claddagh co-captain Ava Leddy said that the pieces they performed during the Family Weekend showcase were completely different from competitive Irish dance, making the performances a surprise for their families as well.
“We added arm movements, which aren’t allowed in competitive Irish dancing,” said Leddy. “Our goal was to make it fun, all about the adrenaline and dancing.”
Breaking away from the traditional dresses and wigs, Claddagh stepped out in a more casual and fun fashion, highlighting another significant contrast to their competitive roots.
“Our costumes are very different; we wear a lot of skirts and Irish jerseys,” said Senior Claddagh co-captain Elizabeth Kennedy.
While the dancers aimed to create a fun experience, a lot of effort went into making the performance. Regardless of the emphasis on fun, preparing for the performance still came with challenges for both the director and dancers.
Since Newman is new to her position, it made it difficult for her to prepare for the performance. She was not aware of the students’ strengths and dance elements.
“This is the start of my fourth week here,” said Newman. “I started with strangers in the room, dancers I’ve never seen perform or know much about.”
Newman wasn’t the only one facing challenges during the rehearsal process. Claddagh struggled with limited space, as it is difficult to coordinate such a large group of dancers.
“It was hard making sure everyone would fit on stage; there are 31 of us in Claddagh,” said Kennedy.
Despite the difficulties and obstacles, the dancers committed to the performance with help from each other.
“We always say we’re proud of them before performing,” said Leddy. “Making sure they’re proud of themselves too and always having fun.”
In the end, the group’s dedication paid off and resonated with their audience.
“It’s very rewarding as a performer to see how your performance affected your audience,” said Alleva.
The performance was played to a full audience. Families were filling up the theatre to show their support.
“Everyone here loves to perform,” said Newman. “Any opportunity that they get to be on stage and perform in front of an audience is meaningful.”
