By Leonard COUTIN

Sparked by a contagious enthusiasm, the first Crescenta Valley High School Spring Showcase dance production, produced by Yana Karibyan, was a creative success presented by 100 young students who performed their free-style hip hop rhythmic moves at the school’s MacDonald Auditorium.

Karibyan, a 2003 graduate of Glendale High School, designed the show that centered around 29 acts, each created by dance members. Karibyan worked closely with her two assistant coaches – Jared Singzon and Alyssa Cancilla – both of whom are also Glendale High graduates.

“This show was a huge success with over 750 people attending,” said Karibyan. “The students are absolutely wonderful. They are dedicated, excited and give their heart and soul to the team.”

The long hours of training were reflected in the tight sequencing of the students’ dance routines. Many advanced male and female dancers incorporated both street and gymnastic moves as well as ballet into their routines. In addition to the CVHS dance students, the audience had the rare opportunity to see Karibyan’s daughter, Layla, a third grader who has been training in rhythmic gymnastics for four years, perform. The years that she has been in training were evident and the audience was eager in its appreciation of her talents.

Karibyan credits mentor Kelly Palmer of GHS for inspiring her to follow her passion.

“I was a member and captain of the Glendale High dance drill team, Class of 2003,” she recalled. “[I was] lucky enough to experience the hard work and dedication it takes to win several national titles.”

In 2007, Karibyan returned to GHS as an English teacher. She said that, though she didn’t teach dance at GHS, she was a “huge fan” of the program.

“When the position at CV opened, I was greatly encouraged by my high school coach and long time friend, Kelly Palmer, to take the job. I really owe a huge thanks to Kelly for the guidance and support. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience and I’m so lucky to have her as I develop the dance program here at CV.”

Karibyan added that to see the two schools work together, cheer for one another and support each other at events is “truly heartwarming.”

“CV dancers are huge fans of the GHS program and they’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside their team,” she said.

  Leonard Coutin