Gold sequins, summer dresses, the boom of the beat and the beat of the drum. Performing arts groups Jazz Band, Varsity Dance Troupe, and Downbeat provided these additions to the fashion show luncheon.

As the doors of the ballroom opened, members of the Jazz Band struck up a tune. Lead singer Nina Sabharwal (11) provided the vocals.

“Singing is a huge part of my life,” she said. “I’ve been singing since fifth grade. I sing classical, jazz, anything you can think of.”

Drummer Gillian Wallan (9) felt that the setting created a different environment for the performance.

“There [were] a lot more people so you felt that people were listening more,” she said.

With a pumping beat, Varsity Dance Troupe leapt into action. Following the Jazz Band’s performance, their specially choreographed routine adapted to the layout of the runway and featured pirouettes, attitudes, and various grand battements.

Members of the dance troupe have varying opinions on what they think is the best part of a performance.

According to senior Sarika Asthana, the highlight is backstage, when “you can hear the crowd cheering, they call your name, you walk on, you pose, and you’re like, ‘Okay. This is actually happening.’”

“I think the best part of performing is actually being on stage and seeing everyone looking at you, enjoying what you’re doing,” said Ria Desai (11). “[It] feels like all your hard work has come to a climax.”

Appearing twice in the lunch show, Downbeat performed to “All for One” from High School Musical and “Beautiful Day.”

“Fashion show for Downbeat is always really intense, one of our biggest events,” said Shenel Ekici (10).

Their next performance is during the dinner gala starting at 7:00 p.m.