On September 11, 2011, YPAS dance majors performed Yoav Kaddar’s Standing Tall at the Speed Art Museum to memorialize the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Performed by a mixture of all grades, the dances sought to represent patriotic culture in the U.S. 

The performance consisted of seven pieces, among them “Stars & Stripes,” “JFK,” “Swing Low,” “Ride of the Valkyries,” and “America the Beautiful.”

The signature piece “Standing Tall” was Kaddar’s vision on moving forward from the 9/11 tragedy. It depicted the towers falling and people standing in confused disbelief.  Dancers dressed in business attire, representing those business men and women there that day. YPAS students were eager to join in. “I was pleased [with the dance],” said Audrey Stewart (11). “It was a great way to show my respect and honor towards the victims in a way that would be most effective coming from me.”

Other pieces symbolized patriotism with costume choice, song choice, and choreography. Caroline Miller (10) performed in “Stars & Stripes” and “Swing Low.”  The dancers marched in the performance and wore red, white, and blue costumes.

“I was eager to perform and express my feelings and thoughts about this tragic day in America,” Miller said.

Standing Tall continues with performances at elementary schools in the upcoming weeks.