That is exactly what Sofiia and a group of fellow Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory students experienced during November’s collaborative performance with Ballet Chicago. During DanceVision Chicago, Merit students accompanied student ballet dancers and put their musicianship to the test through this new challenge, navigating deeper levels of collaboration, leadership, and flexibility.
“[This collaboration is] an investment in our future. It’s a really good opportunity for young people to try something new they have never done before.”
With sound resonating throughout the space and bouncing off the large glass windows, she noted, “It’s actually sometimes hard, because the sound is delayed and it’s hard to stay together with the delay. There is nothing that can consume the sound.” Yet adapting in the moment is the job of a collaborative musician—and so the Conservatory students did just that, communicating with the dancers through nonverbal cues to maintain timing and create a beautiful performance. Despite the dynamic environment, Sofiia conveyed her joy and sense of wonder: “It was so beautiful there! It was a huge hall with a lot of echo. It’s really loud outside [on Michigan Ave.], but it’s really quiet inside, and there’s a huge Tiffany dome. It feels something like heaven.”
With DanceVision 2025 now in the books—and recorded as a stunning performance blending the talents of two art forms—we are so proud of Sofiia and her fellow musicians (and dancers!) for their exceptional work. Reflecting on everything she learned, Sofiia remarked, “It’s an investment in our future. It’s a really good opportunity for young people to try something new they have never done before.”
Keep the Music Coming! 🎶
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