The Things We Held: Chatham Hall Dance Fall Concert

This past weekend, the Chatham Hall community gathered to experience The Things We Held, a moving and imaginative dance concert presented by Chatham Hall Dance under the direction of Lourdes Santiago Lebrón. On Thursday, October 30, and again on Saturday, November 1, dancers embraced the theme of holding - of cherishing what shapes us, sharing what connects us, and releasing what propels us forward.

Have you borne things of value in the past? Have you clung to moments? Have you held traditions in your heart? Have you ever cradled your community, or held tight to an experience that continues to move you?

The Things We Held responded to the expansive array of “things” our community carries—memories, emotions, identities, and hopes. Through original choreography and collaborative works, the dancers shared themselves and what they most wanted to hold together. The result was a time of vulnerability, energy, and joy; an exploration of how movement can embody meaning.

The performance featured the full dance ensemble in pieces choreographed by both students and faculty, with works ranging from personal solos to large ensemble collaborations.

Highlights included:

 

Choreographed by: Lourdes Santiago Lebrón

Dancers: Nadia C. ’26, Scarlet D. ’29, Aniah G.C. ’26, Liana J. ’28, Autumn J. ’26, Chrisette J. ’26, Saniah P. ’27, Emily S.G. ’28, Sophia S. ’27, Rachel Y.W. ’28, and Kal W. ’27

Music: Fauré: Dolly Suite, Op. 56 :Berceuse by Katia Labèque and Marielle Labèque

Choreographed by: Aniah G.C. ’26

Dancers: Aniah G.C. ’26, Chrisette J. ’26, Nadia C. ’26, Sophia S. ’27

Music: Iron by Woodkid

Program Note: In a world of chaos, these people realize that freedom doesn’t come from society, but rather from within themselves.

Choreographed by: Autumn J. ’26

Dancers: Autumn J. ’26, Liana J. ’28, Scarlet D. ’29, and Emily S.G. ’28

Music: Way Down We Go by KALEO

Program Note: Run, run far away and don’t look back.

Choreographed by: Nadia C. ’26

Dancer: Nadia C. ’26

Music: Life of a Dancer, written by Nadia C. ’26, musicalized by AI

Improvisational Score performed by: Nadia C. ’26, Scarlet D. ’29, Aniah G.C. ’26, Liana J. ’28, Autumn J. ’26, Chrisette J. ’26, Saniah P. ’27, Emily S.G. ’28, Sophia S. ’27, Rachel Y.W. ’28, and Kal W. ’27

Mannequins courtesy of Elsabé Dixon, Abi S. ’27, India D. ’27, Sally C. ’27, Inés W.V. ’27, and Erica S. ’27. 

Music:  Negro Soledad by Belafonte Sensacional

Behind the scenes:

Special thanks to the following for their support and effort in our endeavors: Chatham Hall Maintenance, The Budd Group,  Jennifer Hiltwine and the Business Office, Dr. Melissa Mitchem, Sara Stephenson, faculty, and our friends and families.

Watch the full performance below, and ask yourself: What have you held lately?