Emotion into Motion: Wheeler Dance Across Divisions
November 6, 2025
“It has been a busy (and moving!) fall season for Wheeler Dance!” says Dance Teacher Erin Muccino ’04, smiling as she surveys the energy in the studio.
From the first graceful leaps in Lower School to the intricate choreography of the Upper School, students are experiencing, creating, and discovering the kinetic joy of dance. Each class is more than technique — it’s a place to build community, explore emotion, and express artistry.
“In Lower School, 2nd- and 5th-graders are falling in love with dance, learning vocabulary, and connecting mind and body,” shares Ms. Erin. “Fifth-graders, in particular, have been experimenting with creative movement, discovering how dance can also serve as a form of cross-training for other sports and activities.”
Middle Schoolers are diving deeper, exploring how movement can convey emotion. Sixth-graders recently completed a unit on functional alignment and are now working on a Laban Movement Element project, where they are learning to communicate feelings through speed, direction, and weight. “It’s incredible to see how the students translate emotion into motion,” Ms. Erin adds.
At the Upper School level, students are refining their Ballet and Contemporary technique as they explore choreography and take on leadership roles within the dance community. Upper Schoolers also have access to a variety of dance enrichments, including Pointe, Student Choreography, Ballet Variations, Latin Dance, and Hip Hop, allowing them to explore new styles and deepen their skills.
“Whether mastering a new step, improvising through emotion, or collaborating with classmates, Wheeler dancers are experiencing the power of movement,” says Ms. Erin. “Each class brings technical growth, artistic exploration, and the joy of being part of a vibrant community — setting the stage for a showcase that will celebrate all that they’ve accomplished this semester.”
We cannot wait to see all 109 dancers across divisions take the stage for the Winter Dance Showcase, titled “Power and Grace in a Flurry of Dance,” next month! The event will take place from Dec. 11-13 in Wheeler Hall.
Scroll below to see fun moments from a range of dance classes — including beautiful photos of Dance Performance taken by photographer Orlando Braxton at Wheeler Farm.
Fall in Motion
