On December 17, Edison High’s Dance Ensemble, Dance Apprentice, and Dance Elective classes performed for residents at the Cranbury Home and Highland Park Community Center as a part of a holiday cheer event.

When the dancers arrived at the Cranbury Home, they were challenged by a small performance area and low ceilings. But the dancers responded professionally and adjusted the choreography on the spot, continuing the performance with confidence and composure.

“Events like these highlight the professionalism of the program, as dancers prepared in advance but were required to adapt quickly to unexpected performance conditions,” said Ms. Vicki Jenkins, dance teacher and choreographer.

The dancers prepared for the event over several weeks. This performance required collaboration, discipline and dedication to spread a spirit of hope to the Cranbury Home and Highland Park Community Center during the holiday season. Jenkins and student dance choreographers made the performance possible by organizing and directing the pieces performed at the nursing home.

Lia Mah ‘26, a student choreographer and the president of the Dance Ensemble, choreographed the lyrical piece, “Mary Did You Know?” She felt that the dance evoked feelings of hopefulness and solemnity within a crowd. “I’m glad to see that our dances are putting smiles on the faces of our community,” said Mah. “We worked really hard, and we’re glad people are appreciating it.”

London Andrews ‘27, another student choreographer and vice president of the Dance Ensemble, choreographed the cheerful Jazz dance “Home for the Holidays,” a major crowd pleaser.

“These dancers did an amazing job today. The performance truly brightened our day,” said one resident of the Highland Park Community Center, with a smile on her face.

The visit and performance not only spread holiday spirit to the residents but also allowed the dancers to grow as performers, leaders, and active members of the community. With this showcase in mind, the dancers look forward to preparing for their upcoming performance, “Our Voice Is Our Story,” later in February, in which the dancers will continue to develop their artistry and skills.

Below is a list of the various pieces and their choreographers:

“Mary Did You Know?” Lia Mah ‘26

• “Home for the Holidays” London Andrews ‘27
• “Jingle Bells” Ms. Vicki Jenkins
• “Jingle Bell Rock” Aylah Bristow-Cabrera ‘26
• “Winter Wonderland” the Dance 4 Honors class
• “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” Ms. Vicki Jenkins