VOL. 3 NO. 6 APRIL 2026 From the students of Arcadia High School By Tatum Klock Pink, red, and white decorations lined the gym walls on February 28 for Arcadia High’s TWIRP dance. The sweetheart theme, chosen by the student government seniors, took inspiration from Valentine’s Day and encouraged students to spread love and make memories. Standing for “The Woman is Required to Pay,” the event flipped usual school dance tradition on its head. Reversing the typical roles, TWIRP invites the girls to be the ones to ask their dates to the dance and to purchase the tickets, instead of the boys. Many students embraced this by asking their dates with fun, creative gestures and posters. The dance followed Arcadia’s annual Powderpuff game, a girls’ flag football tournament where grade levels go head- to-head to win it all. Over the course of a few days, students gathered in the stands to watch their classmates battle it out on the field. Similar to the football game preceding Homecoming, Powderpuff helped generate excitement and build school spirit in the week leading up to TWIRP. The decorations were unlike any that Arcadia had seen before, with new balloons, streamers, and other touches. Attendees enjoyed an open dance floor blasting music, a photo booth run by photographer Audrea Walshire, and delicious desserts from the Beignet Babe food truck that provided a voucher for a free beignet of choice with every TWIRP ticket sold. The dance was planned by Arcadia’s student government, also known as StuGo, and preparations began after the school’s winter break at the beginning of the semester. The group said that there is much work that went into making the celebration memorable. “StuGo did a great job promoting the dance by going around and taking photos for the memory wall, creating posters and proposal contests, and making tickets super accessible,” Co-chair Emily Rios Quinto said. This year, there was a big focus on making the TWIRP dance a lasting tradition. “StuGo focused on how to make this winter dance an event everybody wants to attend. We will be continuing to revamp, make changes, and really cater to our students, but this was a great first year,” Co-chair committee member Kinsey Hunkins said. ARCADIA DANCE TAKES NYC The year’s dance trip was one to remember as the program embarked on a journey to the Big Apple. With so many offerings, Dance Program Director Tracy Puddy set out to make the most of everyone’s time in New York City. After arriving, they met up with New York’s (and now Arcadia’s) favorite tour guide, Uncle Trey Gibbons. Uncle Trey took everyone to eat at Serendipity, Times Square, and finally to the hotel to rest and prepare for the long, dance-filled days ahead. Friday morning started bright and early with a trip to New York University. After a tour of the Tisch building and an informative conversation with a current student, we set off for our classes at Broadway Dance Center. With classes from jazz funk to lyrical to musical theatre being offered, we were in awe with the opportunities we were given. We had a chance to take classes from memorable pillars in the dance community like Sheila Barker and Geheny Rivera. The classes presented a challenging and rewarding environment, along with a true New York dance experience. After some rest and food, the night ended at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, with a production of “& Juliet.” This Broadway show was truly a highlight of the trip. The fun, captivating show provided the girls with a wonderful evening and a chance to see how the world of dance translates to the Broadway stage. The following morning, a member of the “&Juliet” cast was generous enough to come in and give private audition experience and teach some choreography from the show. Later, we made our way to the Museum of Broadway, where we got to see the origins of Broadway and how it became the renowned organization we know today. The next stop was dinner and show – and this phrase is an understatement because of the amazing experience that is Gayle’s Broadway Rose. To end the night, the group experienced Ronald K. Brown’s EVIDENCE at the Joyce Theater. It was an unbelievably beautiful piece and the dancers in it conveyed such a powerful message with their movements. Before anyone knew it, the last day rolled around. The morning started with a private class at the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Alvin Ailey was an inspiring choreographer and activist, and a class at his company was an extremely special experience. Another highlight of the trip was a step-by-step class using the Horton technique from Amos Machanic. The cherry on top was a visit to Radio City Music Hall. We got an exclusive backstage tour, the chance to stand on the famous stage, and even got to meet a Rockette. New York was an incomparable experience. The dancers gained knowledge and friendships they will cherish forever. A special thanks to everyone who played a part in making it happen! – Braya McCormick Love is in the air at TWIRP Arcadia’s dance program visited the Alvin Ailey Dance Studio in New York City. PHOTO: BRAYA MCCORMICK