Believing that working together to choreograph and then perform creates a deep bond among dancers, Director of Terpsichord Cathie Kasch said she wasn’t altogether surprised at the full house that attended the 60th anniversary concert on Saturday. Ms. Kasch, who is also the chair of the GPS Fine Arts Department, says it was an “emotional homecoming” for the 36 alumnae who contributed choreography, attended rehearsals, and performed once again as a GPS dancer.
Terpsichord, the longest running high school modern dance company in the country, began in 1954 under the direction of Peggy Evans Thomas. One of the most, if not the most well received dances on the anniversary concert program involved Ms. Thomas leading the Terpsichord alumnae in an improvisation once again, this time on stage with the audience watching. “They got to see the process of dance,” says Laurel Zahrobsky, assistant director and one of the participating alumnae.
Thirteen dances, including one by alumna Risa Callaway Miller ’90 and her two daughters currently in Terpsichord, were interspersed with video reflections from four alumnae in California, Philadelphia, and New York who could not attend: Mary Ann Casavant ’00 , Lindsay Meek Edwards ’99, Jessica Robinson Love ’00, and Sarah Anne Patz ’72. All are still involved in dance education, outreach, or therapy. A video of Rebecca Quintrell dancing on a rooftop in Brooklyn also contributed to the evening’s presentation.
A reception for the returning alumnae and their families was held at the Founders House after the concert. Former dancers from 1970 mingling with current members and having their photos made with founder Peggy Thomas seemed to prove Ms. Kasch’s belief that Terpsichord is “a place where different generations can come together and share a common bond.” A number of very young children in attendance were dancing the May Pole and perhaps dreaming of being a member one day themselves. Click here to see a gallery of photos from the concert and reception.