The 2022 Linsly Extravaganza was one of great talent, entertainment, and fun. After two long years, the school came back stronger than ever and made this year’s show one to remember. Along with all of the wonderful group acts, there were also many solo acts that contributed to the show. Read below for a review of these solo acts, as well as some insight to how the performers felt as they took the stage:
Jeb Bertram and Xander Plute (Seniors):
Seniors Jeb Bertram and Xander Plute performed the instrumental song “Alfyn, the Apothecary” from the video game Octopath on the saxophone (Plute) and guitar (Bertram). This performance was very special to the both of them as they got to perform together in their final Extravaganza as best friends. Not to mention, Plute was able to play the saxophone after teaching himself the instrument!
Caroline Higginbottom (Freshman):
Caroline Higginbottom performed a piano piece, “Dawn,” the opening song from the movie Pride and Prejudice. Higginbottom stated that her passion for this song allowed her nerves to die away as she took the stage. She was excited for this performance, as the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack has always been one of her favorites.
Kelsey Glessner (Junior) and Katherine Carson (Sophomore):
Kelsey Glessner and Katherine Carson performed a dance duet to the song “Easy On Me” by Adele. They danced about friendship and supporting each other through hard times. They both are grateful that Linsly has given them the opportunity to be free and express themselves and their emotions on the stage.
Savannah Adams (Freshman):
Savannah Adams performed a lyrical dance solo that was very meaningful to her because it was dedicated to her great-grandfather, a Class of 1945 Linsly alumnus, who passed away in the fall. Adams states that this piece was special because it was choreographed in the middle of the pandemic, and Extravaganza was the first time she was able to perform it on stage.
Cameron Roberts (8th Grade):
Cameron Roberts performed a contemporary dance solo to the song “Recovery”. This piece was all about the struggles of recovering from a physical or emotional hardship, and that is exactly what Roberts expressed through her dancing. She stated that this was an exciting performance for her, as it was her first ever Extravaganza solo.
Olivia Kiger-Camilo (Junior) and Peyton Florence (Sophomore):
Olivia Kiger-Camilo and Peyton Florence performed a contemporary duet to the song “Vain”. This piece embodied the idea that being open about your struggles will help others realize that they are not alone. They were both proud to perform this dance, as it was their first ever self-choreographed piece together.
Gailya Dodd (Senior):
Senior Gailya Dodd sang “Closer to Fine” by the Indigo Girls and accompanied herself with the guitar. Her senior Extravaganza was extremely important to her as she has been doing it since the 6th grade. Dodd recalled, “When I finished my solo and walked backstage to give Mrs. Soloninka a hug, she told me how proud of me she was, and I will remember that forever.”
Joyce Jiang (Junior):
Linsly Junior, Joyce Jiang, performed a self choreographed dance routine, using a fan as her prop. She discovered her song, “Summer Love,” in the spring of 2021 and immediately thought of doing a solo in the Extravaganza. Jiang stated that choreographing this routine was difficult at times, especially with her prop, but the audience can vouch that her performance was beautiful and effortless.
