One of the most anticipated shows of the year arrived, the annual Fall Frolics dance show. Whispers were heard through the Coral Gables halls as the Gablettes sold their pre-sale tickets. In the meantime, the Gablettes and the Cheerleaders made their final touches until the awaited day finally arrived on Nov. 7 at 6: 30 p.m. and came to an end at 8 p.m.
The Gablettes started picking their dances and choreographing the steps to the dances as early as summer. They were determined to make this the best year yet, practicing around four hours after school, as well as their dance-class period and sometimes even during their lunch breaks; the work the Gablettes put into their dances was unwavering dedication to their art and legacy. The Gablettes performed in the Fall Frolics show along with our Gables Cheerleaders and some talented young boys who displayed amazing dancing talent.
“We start planning for Fall Frolics at the end of summer during intensives. We choose the music and start planning the class routines, which is created by the students. We practice five to six times a week, we put a lot of effort into making the show the best it can be and have devoted so many hours into this show,” junior Eden Darmouni said.
As the night began, students lined up outside of the auditorium, cheerful and excited, ready to see their friends perform. The Gablettes opened the show with very hype music, getting the crowd enthusiastic for the show ahead, dancing to songs like “Material Girls”. Shortly after, the mini-Gablettes, who practiced with the Gablettes each Saturday to prepare, came out in pink and danced to Barbie songs, and the crowd could not help but be impressed by these adorable dancers.
“I thought Fall Frolics was a great and emotional show, especially the dance with all the Gablettes dancing to Dreams by The Cranberries. Seeing them all perform to this song, knowing that the seniors were going to leave this year put into perspective the time we have left in the school, so it was emotional to watch as a junior,” junior Caterina Nuonno said.
The mood was quickly changed as the following dance was introduced with dim red lighting and supported by the soul reaching song “You’re gonna go far.” As the crowd burst into song, another emotional dance of “Vienna” was performed, this time with dim yellow lighting, evoking nostalgia and lost beauty, portrayed by the dancer’s performance. As the show continued, the Gablettes and the school’s dance students took turns showing off the dances they worked on during the year, displaying different attires and music genres ranging from country to hip hop.
“I have been on the team for two years. This is my second time performing in Fall Frolics, and I feel bittersweet about this being my last one. I am so happy with what this experience has brought me in my life, and I know that life will follow me wherever I go. This is something that I will take with me forever,” senior Victoria Sosa said.
At 7:10 p.m., there was a brief intermission in which all the dancers flooded the room, greeting their friends and families with eagerness. Students also had the chance to step outside and purchase snacks and drinks to enjoy during their break.
When the break came to an end, beautiful solo interpretive dances wowed the crowd as they admired the wonderful sight of whimsical bodies moving with ease through every note that played. Then, the long awaited Sweetheart dance took place which made the crowd cheer and giggle at the sight of their uncoordinated dance partners.
“What stuck out to me was not just the focus of the Gablettes, but also bringing in other performers, and that it was a nice, random shuffle of different dancers to showcase the talent that we have at Gables,” junior Beatrice Stampino-Strain Said
To end the night, the senior Gablettes were welcomed on stage by their officers and sweethearts to receive their well earned Senior Jackets. Their Sweethearts gifted them their jackets, along with bouquets of matching red roses; the pairs hugged in the emotional moment, cherishing the dancers’ accomplishment. As a final dance, the Gablettes performed in their original Gablettes costumes, with red skirts and squared tops. The night may have been over, but the performances and achievements were engraved into the audience’s memories and hearts forever.
