Lexi Tucci ’22 (right-most on the back row) performed at the Fall pep rally of 2019, her first pep rally at Andover as part of Blue Strut, along with members Sydney Morris, Uanne Chang, Claudine Waggoner, Rachel Lee along the back row left to right, with Leslie Tan, Emerson Judson and Emeline Palfrey on the front row.
Through demanding prompt adjustments to unexpected changes during performances, dance has taught Lexi Tucci ’22 about adaptability in daily life.
After attending a Summer Dance Intensive in Pennsylvania, dance shifted from a hobby to something meaningful to then nine-year-old, Lexi Tucci ’22. Tucci is now the Co-Head of Blue Strut and a member of Andover Dance Group (ADG), where she experiments with different styles of dance and expression.
“I really like modern, because it’s less about technique and more about movement. Modern and contemporary have this flow of energy throughout the body that isn’t found through other more technical styles, like ballet. You can be a lot more free, and you’re able to use your creativity in more interesting ways,” said Tucci.
At Andover, Tucci found ways to channel her own creative energy into dance and convey her emotions through movement.
“When you’re in different moods, you might dance differently and feel the creative flow through your body. As you grow up, you just start to see how words aren’t the only expression of emotion, and that movement can really portray a story to an audience, even better than words,” said Tucci.
ADG Captain and Blue Strut member Katherine Wang ’21 noted how Tucci dances with purpose and dedication. Wang has watched Tucci explore the boundaries of communication through dance, such as incorporating spoken poetry into her own choreography.
“I’ve seen her be more confident in choreography, thinking specifically about the Identity shows and how she combines spoken word with choreography and dance. I think she’s pushed her limits with that,” said Wang.
During her first Blue Strut audition, although Tucci had previously never met anyone in the room, she found that the nonjudgmental environment immediately helped her to connect with her peers and welcome her into the Andover dance community.
“It’s really a bonding experience, I believe, because you don’t have to talk to them, but you feel what they’re doing, and you get to be close with them, and it creates a community so quickly without even having to say any words,” said Tucci.
Sydney Morris ’22, ADG and Blue Strut member, believes increased improvisation practice has helped Tucci achieve more confidence and freedom. She added that Tucci’s personality shines through her movement and she often plays around with the dynamics of the choreography.
“She’s started to become more free with her movement. I think she’s not as free to hold back, and she’s starting to try new things… We’ve started doing a lot more improv, so she’s starting to get out of her head with dancing, being more free and seeing where her body takes her,” said Morris.
According to Tucci, although dance can be emotionally and physically exhausting, being on stage in front of an audience makes the process worth it. Whether in the studio or on stage, she has learned to be flexible and quick on her feet.
“[Dance] has taught me to be more flexible with ideas and [understand] that not everything is going to go to plan. Sometimes, you just have to make it up as you go,” said Tucci. “It’s definitely given me that independent flexibility that’s necessary through the years when you start to grow up and sometimes things don’t go to plan,” said Tucci.
