On The Horizon
Graphic by Amelie Lima
For a Harvard student, there are at least two times in the academic year when it makes perfect sense to frantically check one’s email. Both times should be to secure a coveted seat at a dance showcase that routinely sells out within minutes. Contrary to what many may assume, these ticket sales are not for a professional troupe or a group of influencers—it’s the most anticipated dance performance on campus.
The Asian American Dance Troupe is a student organization that showcases a variety of dances from across Asian cultures. These include traditional elegant dance routines, modern hip-hop-inspired routines, and impressive renditions of the most recognizable K-Pop dances. Audiences are always left awestruck by each dance group’s synchronization and energy. This November, students and Cambridge community members will have the opportunity to attend AADT’s annual fall show, “Horizons.” Next semester, students will have the chance to see AADT’s spring showcase, “Eastbound.” The group’s biannual performances feature different teams of dancers and student-choreographed routines. The event will also give interested students an opportunity to join AADT as performers.
AADT welcomes dancers of all skill levels and cultural backgrounds to come together through dance. With over 350 undergraduate and graduate members, the group offers the chance to perform in one or more routines and take part in workshops designed to strengthen both teamwork and technique.
The learning process for AADT dancers reflects the group’s philosophy of making dance accessible and enjoyable for everyone—whether or not they’ve danced before. Every dance is choreographed by upperclassmen who begin by teaching the basics, starting from how to count steps and move with fluidity, before progressing to more complicated choreography. The shared experience of learning the routines creates a fun environment for dancers and viewers alike. Dancers are divided into multiple group performances, each embracing different styles of dance and music.
AADT not only welcomes members of all experience levels but also exposes them to concepts in dance that they may not have had the opportunity to learn about before college. One new member, Maria Fe Luque ’26, describes AADT as “icy.” This is because the members of the dance troupe are “so cool and really into hip hop. We had to do this mandatory hip hop workshop…by this guy named Zachary Say, who’s a co-founder of Tiny Village, which is this hip hop community in Boston.”
Quincy House resident Apple Nguyen ’28 felt inspired to join AADT during the spring of her first year after enjoying the 2024 rendition of “Horizons” that previous fall. As a dancer in a traditional Japanese dance group, Nguyen has grown more confident in her own abilities through AADT. “The audience should first enjoy the performance and second come away and see all the representations of Asian culture within the dance, especially within the traditional dance, but also even during the open style,” Nguyen reflected, referencing the different dance styles across AADT performances.
The leader of Nguyen’s group, student choreographer Danji Lian ’27, has arranged a performance that celebrates cultural exchange among different Asian cultures. Lian’s dance will incorporate fluid movements of both traditional Japanese dance and martial arts, complete with Okinawan sais, a three-pronged traditional self-defense tool with a long blade in the middle. In the background will be three Korean songs, including Zen by BlackPink’s Jennie. This is just one of the unique and exciting performances that will be presented in “Horizons.”
Mercedes López ’29 joined AADT this semester to reconnect with dance, a hobby from her early childhood, which has exposed her to a wide range of dance styles. “[I] used to do ballet and contemporary…now I’m doing this hip hop open style dance with AADT, which is really fun because I learned new techniques and new styles and movements with hip hop that I otherwise [wouldn’t have],” López remarked.
As in past semesters, this show promises stunning performances meant to be shared with friends. Every audience member is bound to find dances that resonate and leave a lasting impression. Make sure to get your tickets early and make your way to see the show in Lowell Lecture Hall on Nov. 15.
Adedoyin Adebayo ’26 (adedebayo@college.harvard.edu) will refresh her email until AADT tickets go on sale.