ACT Performing Arts Magnet High School Presents Student Dance Company Performance “Grace Under Fire”

The public is invited to see an exciting new dance show called “Grace Under Fire.” Inspired by the seven graces, this Student Dance Company production runs on Friday, Jan. 13 and Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at Arts at the Capitol Theater Magnet High School in Willimantic.

“Grace Under Fire” is entirely student-run, with design and choreography created in class and a cast and crew of students from different pathways at ACT. Each piece focuses on a grace and delivers emotion and a message for the audience to enjoy. The grace of wisdom is explored in “Wiser Now,” a piece choreographed by senior Samantha Perry. Perry’s work explores the idea that “wisdom is the choice that recognizes pain and suffering as part of the human experience. It is inevitable that we will cause each other to suffer in some way.”

The grace of counsel secures truths with human reason, while knowledge manifests through us. These graces are explored by the choreographers of “Take My Advice” and “Knowledge as One,” which remind the audience to know your worth and power. “The Beauty Within,” a dance of reverence, depicts the discovery of self-love through supportive friendships – a message mirrored through “Flawless,” a piece choreographed through the lens of piety with an emphasis on finding the beauty in and believing in oneself.

The final two graces of fortitude and understanding depict struggle, finding strength while battling mental illness and learning what others go through in their lives. Together, these pieces represent a prime display of our students’ capabilities to maintain “Grace Under Fire.”

Student Dance Company members include seniors Maximus Bouilly (Norwich), Madison Dufault (Oneco), Alora Kerwin (Tolland) and Samantha Perry (Lebanon); juniors Alexus Butler (Groton), Layla Edmiston (Sterling), Layla Hellandbrand (Coventry) and Madisyn Raymond (North Grosvenordale); and sophomores Abigail Buchanan (Stafford Springs), Audrey Houk (Coventry), Caitlyn Kurcinik (Willimantic), Morgan Labonte (Moosup), Juliana Margelony (Vernon), Najah Wells (Norwich) and Tatyana Winston (Baltic).

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students/children/seniors, and $5 for ACT students/alumni and EASTCONN employees. For questions or to reserve by phone please call 860-465-5636. Tickets can be purchased at the door an hour before the performance with cash or check only.

EASTCONN, which administers ACT, is a public, non-profit Regional Educational Service Center that has been serving the education needs of northeastern Connecticut’s schools and communities since 1980. Learn more at www.eastconn.org.