By Tatum Klock Get ready to “Wake Up in Vegas,” because Arcadia’s annual winter dance show is right around the corner. This December 3 and 4, Arcadia’s Dance Department will take the stage for the biggest show the school has ever seen. Themed to channel the excitement and extravagance of Sin City, this year’s show promises a night of bold, captivating performances. “Every single year, we try to go bigger,” Dance Teacher Tracy Puddy said. “Why not do it with Vegas?” This year, she and the team are certainly going big, pulling out all the stops to make these upcoming performances truly showstopping. From expressive choreography to eye-catching costumes, the dancers are guaranteed to be nothing short of spectacular. And just like Las Vegas productions, Arcadia’s show will be complete with brilliant lighting, colorful confetti, balloons, and so much more. Arcadia’s dance program is full of all students, staff, and families enjoy experiencing. Titan Times’ very own Francesca Mena, Leila Bender, Braya McCormick and Ana Redzic will be on stage giving the performance of a lifetime, so don’t miss the chance to see them and other amazing dancers in action this winter during a night of dazzling lights and even more dazzling performances. TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: MS. CAMERON ADAMS Arcadia High’s new math teacher, Ms. Adams, is loving her first semester as a teacher, but she said the transition from being a student at a desk to an educator leading a classroom is not easy. She’s still trying to find a routine that works for her, but her students think she’s doing an excellent job! Adams has learned to navigate a classroom, connect with and support her students, and keep up with her work. Luckily, this is not technique, rigor, and creativity. It includes a wide range of dance styles, such as Latin fusion, hip-hop, and jazz – all of which will be showcased in the upcoming performance. The dancers not only have an impressive range of abilities; they also learn everything from choreographing their own pieces to preventing injuries. This makes Arcadia’s dance program unique because it provides students with everything they need to be successful, well-rounded dancers. When asked what she was most proud of regarding the program, Puddy said: “When I see them happy and shining and feeling proud of themselves, that’s what makes me proud.” Countless hours of choreographing, rehearsing, and refining go into these shows, and it’s certainly reflected on stage. The hard work and dedication of the dancers certainly shows in every piece. Arcadia dance is a huge part of the community that an adjustment she’s had to make on her own. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I leaned on the math department very heavily,” Adams said. Last year, as many Arcadia students fondly remember, she was Mr. T’s student teacher. Mr. T is the head of the math department. With this established relationship, Adams has continued to lean on him as a mentor. The process of being a teacher has been quite the journey, one that Adams is still growing in every day. She said she finds herself implementing skills she developed in the classroom into everyday life, such as being more assertive and not being afraid to speak up when she has a problem. Arcadia is so lucky to have Ms. Adams, and we can’t wait to see what her plans hold. – Braya McCormick Wake Up in Vegas: Arcadia’s 2025 Winter Dance Show Dance teacher Tracy Puddy talking to her Dance 3 class. PHOTO: LOLA LUNSWAY Cameron Adams VOL. 3 NO. 2 DECEMBER 2025 From the students of Arcadia High School Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 LOVE GROW SERVE IN-PERSON WORSHIP Traditional Worship 8:00am/10:45am Contemporary Worship 8:30am/10:30am Teaching Service 9:30am ONLINE WORSHIP Sunday @ 8:am/10:30am FB Live or CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH