LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — On April 23, 2026, the Los Alamitos High School dance program hosted their annual spring dance show titled L’Envie. This French-inspired performance captivated the audience with its intricate attention to detail and fascinating storyline.
As guests found their seats, a pre-show performance took place. A jazz band combo, featured vocalist, mimes and magician entertained the audience with their beautiful voices, songs and jokes. Students from various programs across LAHS, including jazz band, choir and dance, gave a spectacular pre-show performance that set the mood for the rest of the night.
The show began with LAHS advanced dance and supporting aerial and lira dancers, who brought the audience into the world of the Moulin Rouge. Sparkles, corsets and flowy skirts danced across the stage with high energy from each performer.
“The show is really cool, and I enjoyed the people on the lira and aerial, it’s awesome,” said LAHS senior Sara Harfouche.
The story follows Ruby Hart, played by Rihannon Carlson, and her journey to stardom in the Moulin Rouge. Throughout the performance, Ruby faces challenges of love, fame and friendship due to Cruella De Vil’s evil.
Throughout the show, popular hits like “Abacadabra” by Lady Gaga, “Chandelier” by Adele and “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals were played. Members of the audience loved hearing familiar favorites. Dancers brought each song to life with their impressive choreography.
“My favorite part about the dance shows is making new friends and meeting new people,” said LAHS freshman Susan Menkes, who is part of LAHS Dance Intermediate I.
Not only did the dance program amaze the audience on the stage floor, but they also had various students use the lira, aerial silks and solo choreography, which made the crowd go wild.
The second half of the show illustrated Ruby’s battle against malicious forces fighting against her. With the support of love and friendship, she ultimately conquers evil. Each dance highlights Ruby’s struggles through colorful celebrations of Parisian culture and dance.
Overall, L’Envie was an outstanding performance by both students and choreographers. Don’t miss a chance to see L’Envie for yourself this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets can be found at the LAHS dance program’s Instagram @losaldanceprogram.
Alyssa • Apr 30, 2026 at 3:10 pm
You did a good job explaing what happend from the songs to the different skills of the dancers, I like how that second paragraph explains what the audience was experincing!