We can all think of times when artistic expression—from song to dance—moves audiences to tears in celebration of lives lost or cut short. And in some cases, the performer’s courage is as much on display as the evocative power of their performance. 

Williston’s dance concert last Friday and Saturday evenings created such a climate, as the final dance was a dedication to the memory of a father, who passed away last summer from cancer, by his daughter whose love of dance he had supported and given life to. When the piece ended, the subdued applause, as compared to the usual raucous shouts and cheers that greet our dancers, conveyed the emotion of the moment. 

Led by Laurel Raffetto, our dance company once again displayed the incredible talent that has come to distinguish this fine program. And Williston’s location in the artistically rich five college Pioneer valley proved of great benefit to our dancers, as we welcomed Smith-trained guest choreographer/ Michelle Marroquin. I, like so many others, am so impressed by the dedication and commitment of our dancers and support crew—they pulled together despite the disruption of the power outage and gave us a night to remember.