The Deerfield Intro to Dance

The Deerfield Intro to Dance Class has become a cult classic amongst the athletes of Deerfield Academy—particularly with the Deerfield Lacrosse team. In fact, the class is currently one of the most highly sought-after courses that Deerfield offers, and has become increasingly competitive in the selection process over the past year.

Dance is unique compared to the other art programs available at Deerfield. In no other class can students have the privilege to move their bodies so passionately and elegantly, in raw and often beautiful displays of self-expression. Never before have athletes been so vulnerable and confident in the name of dance class—a true intersection between athleticism and expressivity that athletes on campus crave.

Intro to Dance contains a rich history, including many distinguished alumni. In fact, it seems that a direct correlation exists between athletic performance and taking the class. Star athletes such as Liam Appleton and Quinn Stankovits, who now play Division I lacrosse following their time at Deerfield, have taken Intro to Dance. While some might attribute their athletic accomplishments to talent and ability alone, many entertain the idea that dance has a lot to do with their success at the highest level of college lacrosse. 

It’s pretty obvious who takes the class, as the students who do so are often found busting a move wherever and whenever they can. Whether it’s in class, on the fields, and during sit-down meals, Dance can no longer be escaped on campus. Dancing has become so contagious on campus that the SLO had to create a new clause in the student handbook to quell the rebellion. Students are not allowed to dance from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm during the day. 

Dance’s impact on the athletes of Deerfield culminated in an intense lacrosse match against Choate last spring. Following a dazzling goal scored by an Intro to Dance alumni, a goal not so different from that of the precise twirls and powerful bounds seen in Dance class, put Deerfield up at a crucial time in the game. Unfortunately, the brilliance of the goal scored became subdued by the heavenly celebration that followed. The player ran before the stands, and in a magical moment of pure improvisation combined with a love for Dance, they began to strut their stuff. The celebration was stellar, as the dancers synchronized their movements and pranced about. Nobody in attendance could recall how long the performance lasted, but one thing became clear—there was no more lacrosse to be played that day. The pure beauty and power in the performance had moved the Choate players so much that they burst into tears… Everyone burst into tears that day after witnessing such a spontaneous work of art. 

Some claim the events of that faithful day were a gift from God, but those who have witnessed the power of Intro to Dance can attest to its profound impact on students. The impact is so profound that many believe that some members of the lacrosse team are simply dancers who play lacrosse. In a stunning turn of events that validated their speculations, numerous lacrosse players have decommitted from their respective universities to pursue a future in dance. As a result, students anticipate that Deerfield’s next dance showcase will have some new faces eager to showcase their newfound love for dance.

The impact of Intro to Dance on the students and athletes who took it cannot be overstated. The class offers an opportunity to engage with Dance as an art form like never before. But for those aspiring Intro to Dance students, good luck getting the class, since the process has become extremely competitive.