WHERE IS DANCE GOING?
Wait… where am I going again?” senior Nico Torres Gaisi asks the audience as he takes the audience through the halls of Paso Robles High School (PRHS), opening the 2026 Advanced Dance Show: Where Are We Going?
In the spring, advanced dance performs an annual show, choreographed by peers, in the Performing Arts Center (PAC), advised by Jennifer Bedrosian. The 2026 advanced dance officers consist of co-presidents and seniors Allie Kemp and Jaklyn Woodland, and junior vice president, Theresa Higuera.
The 2026 dance show follows the theme of “Going to ___”, showcasing different dance aspects through a wondrous lens. With labeled numbers such as, “Going to a ball game”, “Going to find my strength”, and “Going to PROM”, the dance show takes the audience through the typical high school scene.
Each choreography was followed by its own respective light set up, all designed by senior Mars Fash. Currently Fash is a CTE Pathway completer for the Production and Managerial Arts pathway. Taking on the challenge, Fash programmed each light sequence in only two weeks.
This year‘s dance show consists of 29 numbers ranging from classical, jazz, contemporary, street, and tap dance. The show follows Torres Gaisi and his fictional crush toward senior and dancer Blair Bishop, anticipating a prom proposal throughout the show.
THE JOURNEY BEGINS:
As the dance styles progress, so does Blair and Nico’s relationship. Nico, who gets uncontrollably nervous around Blair. Intimidated by her beauty and smarts, he gathered the courage to ask Blair to prom, rushing to Mr. Carrolls’ class hoping to find her. She wasn’t in her usual hang out spot! Unsuccessful, he shamefully buried his face into his binder, running into the quad.
WHERE’S MY BESTIE?
On the 11th number, “Going to Find My Bestie,” co-presidents and best friends Kemp and Woodland performed a duet embracing their final moments on stage together. As the violet spotlight faded in, the duo began with their contemporary choreography to “Supercut” by Lorde. Together, they moved with synchronization and precision, ending with a bittersweet hug.
While the song holds romantic affection, the duo felt that it well represented their friendship. Kemp and Woodland have been friends since freshman year, both becoming presidents their senior year. Together they create an environment full of inclusivity which they hope will evolve with new generations of dancers.
After high school, Woodland plans to dance and major in elementary education at Texas Tech University, while Kemp plans to dance and major in Bowling Green State University
THE HALLWAYS CONTINUE
WHERE’S THE COW?
After seven dances, a cow unexpectedly went loose! Senior Jazmin Villareal wandered across the stage, searching for her lost animal. Spotted among the crowd, the inflatable cow, played by Bishop, ran toward center stage, followed by tap shoes synchronized to “Country Girl” by Luke Bryan.
With cowgirl hats and taps, the dancers swayed their hips left and right, combining country and tap choreography by junior Sydney Rayfield and Bishop. This was the only tap dance for this year’s program.
Closing the dance, the cow ran away once again. “Gotta love country girls,” Nico humorously told the crowd. After recognizing Bishop in her cow act, he brainstormed gift ideas for prom proposals. He figured every girl loves flowers, but needs a confidence boost, introducing one hip hop dance followed by two contemporary dances and more!
OFF TO ADULTHOOD
Anticipating the 28th number, half the seniors lined up and chaîné’d in a zigzag, as Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” faded in, showcasing their final senior dance. In the climax of the track, all seniors spread out across the stage—each receiving their own buddy spotlight—ending with a bittersweet hug.
After closed curtains, the projector lit, featuring each senior, followed by their baby photos and messages from their family members to conclude their time on stage.
GOING TO PROM
On the last number, Nico appears in a sleek, dark suit, ready for prom night. Addressing the audience, Nico wonders aloud about his future after graduation. Although he’s worried, he reassures the audience that he knows one thing he will do after he graduates: live. As he finishes his speech, screaming dancers sprint onto the stage as Sha Na Na’s “Born to Hand Jive” plays in the background.
With their multi-patterned dresses infiltrating the stage, the adorned dancers perform flips, spins, and jumps. Filling the auditorium with celebratory shouts and teenage fun, the stage transforms into a colorful frenzy. Directly under the spotlight, Nico and Blair are found dancing together, smiles plastered on their faces. As Sha Na Na’s song comes to an end, Nico takes center stage, pointing to the sky as the lights fade out and the curtains close.
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