Having joined Webb’s dance program last year, Daria Kaufman brings a structured approach to choreography and rehearsal. Her involvement is expected to elevate the quality of the program while creating a more cohesive and polished performance. 

Ms. Kaufman’s leadership this year is a stark contrast to last year’s student-driven production, where the dancers worked in groups to choreograph their own pieces,  highlighting creativity and self-expression. 

“I’d say, in general, I’m taking the helm a lot more this year, though the seniors are still choreographing their own dances,” said Ms. Kaufman.  

This year’s performance will follow a teacher-led approach, introducing a new layer of professionalism. The show will feature choreography developed collaboratively by the choreographer and students, ensuring that both student and expert input shine through. 

“For the seniors, a lot of them prefer this year’s approach,” said Anna Zeng. “She gave last year’s seniors more freedom to implement the tradition of the Webb dance culture and explore what they want. This year, I feel like she knows what’s going on and she has a clear plan for the dance show.” 

This approach aims to produce a seamless show while also giving students the opportunity to master technical skills and explore artistic expression under the mentorship of a professional.  

For students, this shift is a game-changer. While last year’s self-directed model created independence, the guidance of an experienced teacher this year provides them with an invaluable learning experience. Dancers are being challenged to push their limits, refine their techniques, and deepen their understanding of choreography and storytelling.  

“I’ve set a couple famous works of choreography on the company, both of which speak to the theme –– Codes of Conduct –– in different ways,” said Ms. Kaufman. “One is from the Weimar Period, when Hitler was rising in Germany. It’s somewhat whimsical and fun on the surface, but so dark and foreboding underneath. Then I’ve set another famous piece on the company that is more of a treatise on codes of femininity. And I’m making something jazzy and fun that’s kind of a re-imagining of Community Dinner.” 

Mentorship not only enhances the dancers’ performance skills but also prepares them for future opportunities in the world of dance. 

“Since I am new [to the dance program], I really like this year’s structure because we can have a fixed choreography for everybody and within it, we get to express ourselves in multiple ways,” said Claudia Yang (‘25). “I’m glad we were also given the freedom to express ourselves and have our own styles within the harmony of the dance show.” 

This season’s dance show represents a turning point for the school’s dance program. With professional leadership steering the production, the event promises to deliver a captivating performance that reflects the growth and potential of its dancers.  

More than just a showcase, this year’s show is a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the possibilities of artistic expression.