The lights in the auditorium went out after the intermission. As a spotlight shined on them, a few students started an argument that escalated into a full-scale gang war. That is how the dance production of “West Side Story (Fight Scene),” one of the biggest numbers of the night started.
     Hip-hop, salsa, ballet, tap dancing and Costa Rican folk dance were also among the various rhythms that filled Skyline’s main theater in the student performance.
     This dance production is a performance that occurs at the end of every semester, organized and directed by Skyline’s dance instructor, Diana Evans Cushway. She has worked on these events for the past 11 years.
     “Diana helps inspire all the dancers to do their best,” said Ilka Barcala, student performer. “If it wasn’t for her, I know I wouldn’t be here.”
     Barcala choreographed her own performance, called “El Punto Huanacasteco,” a Costa Rican dance that symbolizes a butterfly’s life from beginning to end.
     The auditorium was filled with students, friends and relatives who came to support the performers.
     “The support of friends and family was a big help,” said Skyline dance student Josefina Muller, who also attributed the success to “working with other great dancers.”
     Muller took part in “Foxtrot Through the Ages,” which was choreographed by Eric Moberg. She was also in “West Side Story (Fight Scene),” choreographed by Cushway and the dancers. The dancers utilized both the stage and the aisles of the auditorium in this number.
     Cushway explained that with the participants, hard work was crucial in the organization of this production.
     “We worked on it all semester, the students worked extra hours; they worked Saturdays, Sundays and on the evenings, in addition to the hours that they worked for me,” Cushway said. “It’s very intensive and it’s exhausting for all involved.”
     All the effort put into “The Dancers” (as the program was named) resulted in the favorable outcome of the well-organized recital.
     “Dance was a lot of fun but it was so much work as well,” said Tatiana Bookbinder, who took part in the “West Side Story (Fight Scene)” dance. “When we performed, it all came together and it was definitely worth the time and effort.”
     Cushway also seemed overwhelmed with excitement from the recital’s success.
     “They were wonderful,” Cushway said. “I was so proud of them. Even though I watched the dances every single day, it was like I saw them new and fresh again and they were brilliant.”
     The audience seemed delighted by the presentation; they rewarded the dancers’ efforts with frantic cheers and applauses.
     Cushway, who has worked on various productions and performed professionally all over the country, said that she is delighted with teaching at Skyline.
     “I’ve been a guest teacher all over this country,” Cushway said. “I’ve worked with many people, and I think that the students at Skyline College are some of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. It’s an exceptional group”