Last spring, Arts Concentration saw the beginning of a new chapter. Welcome with a round of applause our very first dance Arts Con student: Madi Epstein O’Halloran ’18. This sophomore’s talent in dance has astounded her mentors and peers alike.
Epstein O’Halloran fell in love with dance at the age of two while watching a rendition of Swan Lake. As a result, she eagerly began to take ballet lessons near her home in New York. Soon, Epstein O’Halloran was performing at Lincoln Center. By the time she arrived at Choate, she had honed her skills; her mentors, Ms. Emily Lutin, director of the Dance Company, and Ms. Kalya Yannatos, director of Choate’s Art Program, both marveled at her dedication to dance. Now, she is ready to embark on a new chapter in her career at Choate with unwavering support from her mentors.
“I’m really excited about where Madi is right now in her journey as an artist. Her potential is vast, and the energy that she brings to her process is so open, which makes her a brilliantly engaged dancer to work with,” Ms. Yannatos commented.
Epstein O’Halloran will be setting a new standard in Arts Concentration. “She’s very willing to discover things along the way, and that combined with her generosity of spirit makes her a wonderful person to shape the program around.” stated Ms. Lutin. “She actively makes connections, and applies all of her skills to her creativity.”
Last year, she was a lead performer in Dance Company’s culminating spring performance, in which she choreographed a few pieces. Now, in addition to her two terms of dance as part of Arts Con, she will attend weekly Dance Company rehearsals.
She also volunteers at “Movement and Music” Saturday dance classes in the Paul Mellon Arts Center Black Box. This program, managed by Ms. Lutin, teaches children various dancing styles. “There’s a lot of improv, which lets them set their energy free: they don’t have any filters yet – they do what comes to mind. Their instincts just come alive,” remarked Epstein O’Halloran.
She also plans to teach her own classes winter term at Moses Y. Beach, a nearby elementary school. “Her work in the studio here at Choate is focused and disciplined, she models an excellent work ethic, and she is a generous mentor.” said Ms. Yannatos.
Epstein O’Halloran believes that these plans will allow her to share her love of dancing. “Dance is the way that I can fully express myself,” she commented. “It’s the most beautiful feeling to be dancing, and it’s the most beautiful thing to watch dancing.”
