Huntington Beach High School’s (HBHS) Academy of the Performing Arts (APA) Dance department debuts their annual fall show: “Fusion.” It’s APA Dance’s first main stage performance of the year, featuring Jazz, Ballet, Tap and Modern Ensembles as well as APA’s Dance Company. This year, “Fusion” ran from Feb. 6 to 7 as a two-act show running just over an hour and 30 minutes for audiences.
The students and teachers involved with “Fusion” spend several months in rehearsal and dance technique class, perfecting choreography for nine different numbers. Most ensembles began working on their pieces in Sept. 2025. The preparation to create a successful show requires major time commitment from those involved, who need to balance their personal, academic and rehearsal schedules on busy nights as they learn new choreography.
Ria Melwani, a sophomore in APA Ballet and Jazz Ensemble, said, “I balance rehearsals for ‘Fusion’ and other responsibilities by keeping myself organized and having good time management. I also make sure that I don’t overwhelm myself with unnecessary and stressful things. I also find it so important to balance all the work with lots of rest and self-care.”
“Fusion” involves diverse student performers ranging from freshmen to seniors, bringing together a cast of unique dancers who add their own artistic twist to the show. The combination of different age groups allows the dancers to bond as they learn from one another and make memories along the way.
Emmalyn Wood, a sophomore in APA Jazz Ensemble, said, “I loved being a part of ‘Fusion’ because it allowed me to connect to other dancers in the department and make me feel as if I was part of something bigger.”
This production includes full-ensemble pieces, a dance quartet and solo performances, with each student having their own moment on stage. From an eccentric and playful ballet titled “Coraline,” to an electrifying jazz piece called “Thrill the Floor,” “Fusion” never fails to showcase a vast range of storytelling that keeps audiences mesmerized throughout the show.
Lauren Jacobs, an HBHS freshman and “Fusion” audience member, said, “The ensembles are really fun to watch because I get to see what they’ve been working on.”
Live dance showcases like “Fusion” give potential future students a sense of what APA Dance is all about. Performances can motivate students to audition for the program and may offer insight into opportunities available to prospective dancers. APA recently held auditions for next year’s dance ensembles and many incoming students were audience members of this year’s “Fusion” show.
Shows like “Fusion” foster a sense of community and bring people together through the diverse art of dance, which truly helps to showcase each student’s individual talent.
