Perpich Arts High School Dance Program Presents “Rising Embers”

May 11, 2026

Students in the Perpich Arts High School Dance Program brought emotion, creativity, and personal storytelling to the stage this May with “Rising Embers”, two evenings of original choreography exploring identity, connection, and self-discovery.

The performance featured 11 student-choreographed works by Adrianna Dvorak (Dance 2027), Miyah James (Dance 2027), and Simone Ueland (Dance 2027), alongside pieces by Dance Instructor Mary Harding and guest choreographer Tumelo Khupe. Drawing inspiration from dance history, movement studies, and the idea of “urgent questions” introduced through the work of choreographer Bill T. Jones, the students created performances that reflected their own experiences and artistic voices.

“Throughout the process we talked a lot about ‘urgent questions’ and how dance can express things that are difficult to say out loud,” said Simone. “I think that made the work feel personal and honest because everyone brought their own emotions and experiences to the show.”

The collaborative process encouraged each dancer to explore individual movement styles while building a cohesive performance together. “This time, I felt like I got to explore more of myself and the way my body naturally likes to move,” said Miyah. “It was really freeing to lean into that and bring it into the performance.”

For Adrianna Dvorak, choreography began with reflection and curiosity. “My process was to ask myself questions that I want to do a deep dive on,” Adrianna said. “Slowly I would add more choreography and the emotion and story I wanted to tell.”

Mary Harding reflected on the emotional impact of the performance, thanking the dancers for “working on your craft, opening your hearts and minds, and creating such beautiful work.”

Principal Rebecca Bullen praised the students’ artistic growth throughout the year. “The movements told stories and emphasized meaning beyond words,” Bullen said. “I was able to identify their choreography through their growth, finding themselves, their aesthetic, and personal movement styles.”

From intimate solos to collaborative ensemble works, “Rising Embers” highlighted the power of dance to communicate emotion, build connection, and transform personal experiences into art.

Rising Embers

Choreography by the Perpich Arts High School Dance students,  Mary Harding, and guest artist: Tumelo Khupe

• Three dancers from three Minnesota communities
• Eleven student-choreographed dances
• One guest artist
• A million ideas of inspiration
• One community
• Two priceless evenings

Tumelo Khupe, known artistically as Melo, is a dynamic dance and movement artist and choreographer whose journey bridges continents and cultures. Born in Saint Paul, MN, with roots in Botswana and South Africa, Melo’s artistic identity is shaped by a rich tapestry of influences and experiences. Specializing in the Krump dance form, her practice is guided by four foundational pillars: rawness, discovery, individuality, and spirituality, values deeply cultivated over a decade of artistic exploration and faith. Melo currently teaches Krump and Improvisation, sharing her expertise and passion as a Movement Artist and Choreographer. Her international recognition within the Krump community has led her to teach and perform across the globe, including recent engagements in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Toronto, Canada, where she continues to inspire dancers with her unique artistic approach.

Dance Instructor – Mary Harding
Lighting Designer & Sound Board Operator – Alexi Carlson
Guest Choreographer – Tumelo Khupe