Sofia Gonzalez

Dancers jumping in LAHS dance program’s first performance of the year, “Terra Volta.”

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — When I first heard that the dance show was going to be “life-changing,” I was skeptical. How life-changing could a school dance show be? However, Los Alamitos High School’s dance program blew me away with “Terra Volta.”

I entered the Performing Arts Center expecting a dark carnival theme, but the props and costumes I saw were bright and colorful. The dancers were walking around the seats with strange, creepy mannerisms, often stopping to stare into the crowd. It almost seemed like they weren’t even alive. 

Soon, the lights dimmed and the show began. Lauren (Zoey Rosa), a phone-addicted screenager; Phoebe (Kendyl Jeang), a “Debbie Downer” and Brooke (Rhiannon Carlson), conceited and selfish, enter the Terra Volta carnival. Phoebe and Brooke try to prove a point to Lauren by not bringing their phones to the carnival, but this becomes their downfall when the friends get separated and have no way to contact each other. 

The three main characters each begin their own adventure, which changes themselves and their outlooks on life. Lauren runs into a psycho magician who takes control of her mind by using hypnotism and tries to make Lauren her new “bestie.” Ember Mustard, who played the magician, displayed amazing acting with her facials and gestures.

“I used to do drama, so that definitely helped with getting all the facial expressions down,” Mustard said.

Brooke goes into the carnival mirror maze and is entranced by her own reflection. She realizes that her reflection is distorted and doesn’t reflect what she looks like on the outside. Funnily enough, the mirror causes her to reflect on her inner beauty rather than her external beauty. 

Finally, Phoebe eats ton of carnival food and goes into a food coma. I can relate — food will always be my one true love. She encounters a series of food-related dreams that slowly transform into nightmares. Yikes! This part of the show was my personal favorite, especially when they opened the back of the PAC. I got chills. Literally… the cold air blowing through was freezing. 

Not only was the dancing breathtaking, but the Lyra and aerial ribbon performances were astounding. 

“The part with the hoop was so amazing. I’ve only ever seen that in an actual circus, so that really added to the effect,” said Kenzi Nawa, LAHS freshman.

“Terra Volta” was incredible. I could see the hard work and dedication that went into creating this stunning performance. Make sure to come and support LAHS dance in future shows!