By Sophie Park ’27 / Reporter
The PMAC is home to artists and their inspirations alike.
Choate’s arts programs successfully support aspiring artists throughout their high school careers. On top of support from the school, student artists also derive inspiration from their everyday lives on campus. From the Arts Concentration program to student-led clubs, there are numerous opportunities for students to embrace their creativity and transform their ideas into tangible masterpieces and unique performances, each with distinctive and original themes. Whether in the Paul Mellon Arts Center’s Little Theater or in the Colony Hall Dance Studio, students are always showcasing their talents. How, then, do Choate artists get inspiration on campus, and what opportunities are available for them?
Choate’s Arts Concentration Signature Program gives budding artists the space to freely explore their creative passions, whether that be on stage or backstage. Through classes and workshops provided to this select group of students, program members are given extensive time to hone their artistic skills.
Suleika Sandi ’26, a student currently enrolled in the Theater Arts Concentration Program, described her growth and experience over the past three years. “When I first came to Choate, I was terrified to go outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “Choate arts really gave me the space to be proud of who I am.” As a part of her program requirement, Sandi is now participating in the upcoming fall play, Eurydice. “Since my freshman Spring, I’ve been doing Choate productions, and the environment is always amazing,” she said.
Dana Tan ’25, one of the Presidents of Choate Dance Company, reflected on where she got the inspiration for her dance choreography. “I find a lot of inspiration from my friends and also in nature. A lot of my choreography reflects my personal experiences,” she said. “Being constantly surrounded by my friends in the classroom, in the dorm, and in the studio, the vibrancy and happiness they bring to my life comes through in my choreography.”
Kaho Hoshi ’25, a dancer and choreographer for Dance Company, has had a similar experience as Tan. “My last dance at the Fall Dance Showcase was inspired by the friendships that I was able to make [at Choate],” she said. “I feel like they’re so much different than the friends you have back home. They’re a lot closer, and you have that foundation of living away from home at such a young age, and so that creates a stronger connection between people.”
Hoshi credited Dance teacher Ms. Pamela Newell for aiding her artistic growth at Choate. “I grew up strictly on ballet, contemporary, and modern, but [Ms. Newell] really wanted me to try new things. And so, she exposed me to different styles within genres,” she said. “I was more of a competition dancer, meaning I was doing tricks and turns, and it was a very flashy, showy kind of dance. But with [Ms. Newell], she emphasizes more movement rather than the quantity [of tricks].”
The opportunity to reside with peers and faculty is one of the most significant puzzle pieces in the Choate experience; thus, it’s no wonder that boarding school inspires developing student artists. In addition to the Arts Concentration Signature Program, classes with professional faculty members and clubs are also available to foster students’ growth as artists.
Choate’s arts programs and campus environment provide students with the support and inspiration they need to grow as artists. Through programs like Arts Concentration, as well as the influence of friends, faculty, and daily life, students are encouraged to explore their creativity and develop their unique artistic voices.
