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The inaugural Winthrop Winter Showcase exhibits the many and varied talents of Winthrop House residents.
Photos by Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer
Campus & Community
A look inside: Winthrop House
An invitation to the dance
Winthrop House residents crowded into the House Junior Common Room on a recent Sunday night to attend the inaugural Winthrop Winter Showcase. An impressive array of performances ensued, with dance dominating the evening.
Step dance inspired by African and hip-hop rhythms, jazz styling resembling a 1930s Parisian nightclub, traditional Mexican folk dance celebrating the state of Jalisco, salsa enlivened with the tempos of Cuba, bhangra dance sharing the energetic beats of the Punjabi culture, and Irish dance with its flurry of footwork were all featured. Students who have trained with premier dance companies, such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the San Francisco Ballet, also presented accomplished performances in modern dance and ballet.
Pianists and vocalists joined the acts, including a self-taught throat singer. Master of ceremonies Max Meyer ’12 kept the show effortlessly flowing and managed to take a moment at the piano to dazzle the crowd with his own singing and playing.
Housemasters Stephanie Robinson and Ronald S. Sullivan Jr. made a family night out of the event, attending with their eldest son. Residents crowded onto cozy sofas and chairs or clustered together on the floor, sitting arm in arm to support their fellow students. Following the final act, Meyer led a chorus of cheers.
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Winthrop’s House of Talent Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer
Talent, baby, talent
Sarah Peprah ’13 (from left), Kayla Shelton ’13, and Rachel Byrd ’13, the Step Dancers, perform syncopation, a modern hip-hop style that draws from African roots.
Eyes of the crowd
Winthrop residents watch their fellow Housemates’ performances.
Olé!
Harvard Ballet Folklórico de Aztlán’s Marisol Romero ’12 and Keith Grubb ’13 (of Adams House) perform La Negra, a type of dance that originated from the Mexican state of Jalisco.
Smokin’
Tomomi Ibe of the Mainly Jazz Dance Comany performs “Le Jazz Hot,” a piece that features the glam, glitter, and fun of a 1930s Parisian nightclub.
Captive audience
The audience listens closely as Brandon Seah ’11 performs “Throat Singing.”
Floored
Harvard Ballet Company members Kevin Shee ’11 (left) and Melanie Comeau ’13 (of Quincy House) perform “Reset” by Ricky Kuperman ’11 (not pictured).
Reversal time
Step dancers Rachel Byrd ’13 (from left), Kayla Shelton ’13, and Sarah Peprah ’13 can rest and enjoy the show now that their performance is over.
Do that Bhangra
Students from Harvard Bhangra perform an energetic dance that draws from Punjabi culture and rhythms.
Saucy
Michelle Seslar ’11 of Kirkland House and Lionel Perez ’11, who both have been members of Harvard’s Candela Salsa Dance Troupe, perform “Se Le Ve” by Andy Montanez.
Most talented
Max Meyer ’12 was the 2005 winner of America’s Most Talented Kid. At the talent show, he served as master of ceremonies and performed a little on piano.
Relaxed and enjoying
Winthrop House Co-Masters Stephanie Robinson and Ronald S. Sullivan Jr. sit back and enjoy the show with their son Trey.
Corcairdhearg
Moira Forberg ’11 (left) and Alana O’Brien ’11, co-founders of Corcairdhearg, the Harvard College Irish Dancers, perform.
