Masters Dance Company Captivates in Fall Concert

The moment was bittersweet for the senior who has danced with the Masters Dance Company (MDC) since ninth grade.

“The performances went incredibly well,” Baker said. “This was one of our best, and I was so proud of everyone. I felt I was able to put my all into the dance ‘Breathe Me’ since it was the last time I would be performing the piece.”

“Breathe Me,” choreographed by upper school dance teacher and MDC director, Melissa Edwards, who is in her first year at Masters, was Baker’s favorite to perform. 

“It's a lyrical/contemporary/modern piece that never fails to capture the emotions of those watching it,” Baker shared. “It consists of intricate, technical choreography that I can put my whole body into. I always connect with dances that have the most impassioned choreography and story, and I immediately felt that connection with this dance.”

Edwards described the 15 dancers’ growth so far this school year as “amazing,” noting that “All the students were incredibly invested. Watching the concert come to fruition via their hard work has been so exciting!”

Audience members were treated to seven eclectic pieces that showcased contemporary, flamenco, dance hall, modern, ballet and hip-hop moves. 

In addition to two dances choreographed by Edwards, the MDC students had the opportunity to work with four guest choreographers: Holly Evans, a former Rockette and Pace University faculty member; Eva Conti, a professional musician and dancer; Emelia Sikorsky, a local dance teacher and recent Adelphi University graduate; and Kailah Riggins, a professional dancer and singer.

Susie Brown ’27, who is in her second year with MDC, said, “Dance is what I always return to when life gets hard. After my recovery from a disorder that limited my ability to dance and do what I love, I was able to find joy in all the simple parts of dance that make me feel good and allow me to use my body to express myself.”