Choreography Foundations: Students choreograph and perform dance for “You Got In” video

Students in the Choreography Foundations course choreographed and performed a dance for the 2025 “You Got In” video, an annual production at Beaver welcoming newly admitted students. The assignment required students to tap into two major themes of the course: individual creativity and collaboration. The end result–which is featured during the credits of the video–showcases the hard work and creativity of the class.

Prior to choreographing the video, Choreography Foundations students spent time exploring movement choice, timing, musicality, and the use of space and levels. By spending time creating both solo works and group pieces, students established a collaborative environment centered around the understanding that each student has something unique to contribute. This open, creative environment serves as the basis for all the class does. As Vladimyr Derisier remarks, “this space hopefully gives [students] some confidence and the freedom to explore without being judged.” 

Students modified the choreographing process to meet the specific needs of the You Got In video. When considering what song to choreograph to, students had to consider both the audience and tone of the video. Similarly, the prospect of being on camera influenced how students used space and perspective in their movements. Rather than become a roadblock, these creative limitations only worked to inspire students.

After choosing a song and individually coming up with movements, the class came together to create their dance. “Each of us created four counts of movements and we mixed and matched them together to create something that flows,” Markella Pauli ’28 says. “We went through tons of ideas trying to come up with something happy and exciting- something that shows the spirit of the school.” While workshopping the dance, students also considered how to include the Beaver mascot. Katie Born ’28 was more than ready to address that concern, stepping up to not only wear the Beaver suit, but also dance in it. 

Choreography Foundations’ involvement in the You Got In video highlights the openness, collaboration, and community central to the class. As an E-Block course meeting each term, the class provides students with the time and space necessary to curate their skillsets as choreographers. “[Choreography Foundations] is a lot of fun; it’s hard work but it’s also a break in the day to have fun and get some movement in,” Markella Pauli ‘28 says. “We get a lot done and make a lot of friendships along the way.”