Among many other fun programs and activities in the boarding program, San Domenico Resident Faculty and students have begun a fun dance competition among the dorm floors and buildings, happening once per semester. The first dance competition was between girls and boys from North building on the evening of September 27.

The dance competition has been a completely different activity having recently been added in the boarding program, which has excited boarding students a great deal. It was organized by Crystal Jimenez, the Dorm Head of the North building, another one of the judges of the dance competition.

“I wanted to have a fun activity that is different, that I feel like a lot of kids could participate in, regardless of their abilities or circumstance,” Jimenez said. “Our competition just kind of brings out the best of everyone … that’s why I thought about making a dance [competition].”

Aaron Gao ‘24, one of the dancers from North 1, comments on his performance.

 “This, at least in my experience, is the first time I did [ a dance competition] in the boarding program and it was really, really fun,” Gao said. “It strengthens the connection among the borders within each floor. I think that’s a great opportunity for us to socialize.”

There were five judges for the competition and the winning criterias were fun, and unity, having everyone from the floor present. Alyssa Carnahan, who is the Dance Director at San Domenico School, was one of the judges of the competition between North 1 and North 2 floors. Carnahan thought the entire community had fun dancing together whether they were dancers or not. 

“I thought they did great. Especially considering not all of them were actual dancers,” Carnahan said. “It was just something fun to do as a community. They were really committed. They had a lot of fun with it. I thought they were going to be a little more shy. But they were just having fun.”

Zijing (Jean) Zhai ‘23, was one of the girls who competed against boys from the second floor of the North residential building. Zhai was excited about winning the competition and getting a free boba in addition to having fun at the dance.

“I think the dance competition was really fun,” Zhai said. “We [North 2] won and we got a boba run.”

Boarding panthers have had their first fun “dance competition” of the semester, and they look forward to their next competition in spring.