The 39th annual Dance Theatre is coming up this week for Waltham High School, and the performers and directors who make the show happen could not be more excited to showcase their two months of hard work and dedication. The last of five shows concludes on Friday night, and it will cap off a crazy week for performers and directors. Auditions were held shortly after Christmas break, and the clock started ticking from that point on.
Deb Finnell, the lead director of DT, has been working with Dance Theatre since its inception, over three decades ago. Deb and her team of choreographers and teachers work with the performers tirelessly to perfect the 22 dances that are showcased. She works alongside her niece, Jessie Bastarache, her daughter, Alex Finnell, and many other choreographers and set designers to make the show happen. Yet, the grandiose feel that the show gives off today was not always the case for Deb and her dancers. “In the first year of DT, only 67 people tried out, and I made up all the dances and put this show together little by little,” said Deb. “My boss only gave me permission to do one show at night. The first show, so many people came to watch, and I knew from then on it was going to be a tradition.” The first show did attract many eyes, as both viewers and students were engaged with what DT was doing. “In 1985/86, it started very small, and then the following year, the cast grew increasingly,” said Deb.
When DT rolls around nowadays, more than 150 students try out, and cuts have to be made due to the sheer number of people that coexist backstage or in dances. “In that way, it is so unique because there are 120 dancers and 20+ crew; it’s not just the dancers but everyone involved. That includes the crew and those that work on lighting,” said Alex Finnell. With such a large cast and crew, it has become tough to coordinate all the moving parts, but that’s something that the directors and choreographers embrace.
The goal of DT, says Deb, was to “take it out of the dancing school world so that, just like my curriculum here, people would be merged, so it’s not like a dance team where I take the same 15 people and we compete all year round.” “In DT, we all win. Everyone who participates in our show is a winner,” says Deb. By taking the focus away from constant competition and instead emphasizing merging people from different skill levels and backgrounds, Deb aimed to create a more welcoming environment where everyone could participate.
Dance Theatre is a thrilling experience, especially during the week leading up to the show. It’s a mix of excitement and intensity as rehearsals become more focused and the final touches are put into place. Typically, during show week, the dancers will run through all the dances, making sure every movement is honed to perfection, and receive their costumes. Dancers will take the stage during rehearsals with full costumes, hair, and makeup. This allows for a comprehensive run-through, ensuring that every aspect of the performance is flawless and there are no costume malfunctions on stage. Behind the scenes, Deb and Lori work tirelessly on stage lighting, collaborating closely with the stage crew to create the perfect ambiance for the dancers to shine. Despite the rigorous preparation, there’s an undeniable sense of camaraderie as dancers come together to showcase their talent and passion on stage.
On the night of the show, there’s a buzz of excitement backstage as dancers arrive with laundry baskets brimming with their costumes. They find a room to prepare, where they meticulously apply makeup and style their hair, getting ready for the performance ahead. Meanwhile, the boys make their rounds, handing out flowers to their dance partners—a sweet gesture that all the dancers love. Before the show kicks off, the cast gathers on stage to take pictures together, then it’s off to Deb’s room for another special tradition. As everyone settles in, Deb leads a round of applause. When Deb stops clapping, everyone else has to stop too. If someone claps out of turn, they have to start over until everyone stops clapping in perfect unison. Once everyone achieves this, the dancers make their way backstage to begin.
With hearts pounding and anticipation building, the show begins with the first number, the opening. Each dance is performed with passion, the result of two months of hard work and dedication. On the final day of the show, emotions run high backstage. The dancers gather in Deb’s room, where the captains present gifts to Deb and the dance teachers. In return, Deb gives gifts to the teachers, captains, and rising captains. It’s a heartfelt moment of gratitude, a chance for everyone to express their appreciation for Deb and the teachers who made the show such a memorable experience.
As the curtain falls on the final performance, a familiar tradition takes center stage. With a collective shout of “Ahh DT!” It’s a bittersweet moment for the seniors, knowing it is their last time experiencing this and performing each dance. Amanda Politis, a senior captain for Dance Theatre, said, “Since it’s my last year, I think the thing I’m going to miss the most about DT is the shows because even though we practice a lot, the shows are always worth it. In the end, it’s just fun being in so many numbers and hanging out with friends backstage.” Beyond the artistic fulfillment, what makes the shows truly special are the bonds forged between dancers.
That bittersweet moment of ending the show for seniors every year may be felt by Deb, as the thought of ending her reign as D.T. queen with the 40th show next is one that is on the forefront of her mind. No matter what direction Deb goes in following next year’s show, the show will live on through her family, as her daughter and niece share her vision. No matter what direction Deb takes following next year’s show, we can admire the 40 years of entertainment provided to us by her and all the other performers over the years, as they all had a part in continuing the legacy of the greatest tradition in Waltham history.
