DIRECT FROM AADT: AADT 2007-2008 Recap

The 2007-2008 academic year gave AADT the opportunity to accomplish new goals and embark on new challenges. AADT’s robust fall recruitment efforts resulted in an astounding influx of enthusiastic newcomers; making space at Sunday general rehearsals was surprisingly difficult. But, what really tested AADT’s dance and time management skills was the unusually early date of AADT’s annual spring showcase, EASTBOUND.

AADT’s first spring performance was Cultural Rhythms, the Harvard Foundation’s annual show to celebrate cultural and racial diversity, on March 1, 2008. This year, the show was hosted by 12-time Grammy winner, Herbie Hancock. AADT graced the stage of Sander’s Theater with a long flutter fan piece called He Tang Yue Se, arranged by co-captain Diana Lu ’09. Audience members were wowed by AADT’s transformation into
delicate purple and green lily pads on the water.

"It really was 'gorgeous.' I was so impressed. Graceful, stunning choreography, beautiful outfits, well performed, everything!"
-Whitney Ajie ‘08

Herbie Hancock, taking note from past Cultural Rhythms host, Will Smith, even tried giving the flutter fans a twirl. AADT was not the only highlight of the show. Ballet Folklorico, Harvard’s Jazz Band Ensemble, the Harvard Breaker’s Organization, Candela Salsa, Kumba, the Gumboots, Harvard Wushu, and many others were also crowd favorites.


He Tang Yue Se at Cultural Rhythms 2008

Unlike previous years, co-captains Diana Lu ’09 and Anna Liu ’10 had no time for a breather after a successful Cultural Rhythms because EASTBOUND was scheduled for March 14, 2008— just two weeks later! AADT was quickly charged into turbo drive as choreographers rushed to finish and clean up dances and dancers ran from rehearsal to rehearsal. AADT seniors were particularly pulled thin as they juggled preparing for EASTBOUND while performing in Ghungroo, the South Asian Association’s annual cultural show.


Eastbound 2008 Company

Despite the challenges that an earlier EASTBOUND brought with it, EASTBOUND 2008 exceeded everyone’s expectations. Within just three days of tickets going on sale at the Harvard Box Office, EASTBOUND was completely SOLD OUT! It was as if the entire campus was scrambling to get their hands on an EASTBOUND ticket.

"With the box office sold out many days in advance, and AADT members all out of consignment tickets, it was like a treasure hunt that last week to find the precious few tickets that were still unclaimed. As ticket manager, I found my inbox flooded with flurries of desperate emails. It seemed like everybody out there knew somebody else that still needed a ticket. EASTBOUND is definitely one hot show!"
-Gina Moy ‘09, AADT Treasurer

On the day of the show, all dancers united to help each other with make-up, costumes, and last minute impromptu rehearsals. AADT mothers and our wonderful male dancers helped iron and steam our costumes. AADT parents stocked each dressing room with water and snacks, and several AADT family members and friends helped coordinate the recording of EASTBOUND. When 8:15pm hit, Yunjie Ma (MIT ’08), our lighting director, dimmed the lights and the first group of dancers walked on stage to open a heart-stopping show.