The lights flash on, and the performance has begun. Flowing across the stage in a series of fluid movements, Wendy Liu (‘26) weaves a story through deliberate gestures, perfected by years of hard work and persistence. Yet, to Wendy, the stage is not limited to dance. It also serves as a place to sing with their friends and classmates as part of Harker’s choir group, Capriccio.

Wendy’s first experience in dance started at five years old, when their mom signed them up for ballet class. Falling in love with the storytelling aspect of choreography, they continued to pursue the hobby as an artistic outlet.

“The gestures in the choreography and the movements are like exaggerated versions of how people move in real life: the same way that Shakespeare’s lines are enhanced or dramatized versions of how real people speak,” Wendy said. “That’s how I view dancing, choreography, and storytelling.”

Shifting from ballet to a more general dance studio, Wendy further explored dance as a medium of self-expression. Despite crying throughout their first class at the new studio, they persisted in their passion for the art.

“Over time, what attached me to dance was the team bonding since I’ve danced with the same people for twelve years,” Wendy said. “Eventually, as I got older, my movements matured, and I did find an artistic or emotional outlet in dance.”

Despite their experience and training in dance, Wendy decided to join the choir program at Harker in ninth grade, challenging themselves with a new medium of performance. Through the program, they found belonging in the choir community at Harker.

“I like the feeling of singing in a group,” Wendy said. “Being in a group is empowering in a way since you have people around you working towards a common goal, and there’s a common understanding between you and your choir mates.”

Although they had no previous experience in the field of vocal music, Wendy continued to develop their singing in and out of class, joining Cantilena, which eventually became Capriccio, in sophomore year. Choir teacher Jennifer Sandusky applauds Wendy’s motivation to branch out and explore different media.

“Because [they] are such a good dancer, Wendy very well could have auditioned for Downbeat, but [they] never did,” Sandusky said. “Wendy wanted to take this path that was more challenging and really focus just on their singing in a separate way. I think Wendy’s a really cool, unique human being who’s willing to be who they are and not worry about what other people think.”

This aspect of their personality has also presented itself in all aspects of their life, including the connections forged through performing arts. Fellow Capriccio singer junior Lauren Xi looks up to Wendy’s enthusiasm for what they love.

“I really admire their dedication and passion to what they want to know about — theater, or any of their special interests in general,” Lauren said. “I really admire that they know so much and chase the knowledge. And when I see them doing their math or econ homework, they always try to dig deep and apply themselves to the learning.”

Wendy’s choir journey opened the doors to meaningful relationships and new friendships. From classmate to now close friend, Helen Gu (‘26) met Wendy during choir class, and they grew closer in Capriccio.

“They’ve really made me feel less alone at the school,” Helen said. “Even if I just say something completely unrelated or share something completely random, they somehow understand. It means a lot to me to know that there is someone who truly understands this experience, and is able to relate and form such a strong bond with me.”

Developing confidence in their identity as a multidisciplinary artist, Wendy continues to improve in choir and dance, finding a welcoming community in both. The relationships and bonds that emerge from these passions gives meaning and motivation to what they do.

“Community is a big part of what defines your life,” Wendy said. “Everything is impermanent, and you own nothing, except for your relationships to other people and your love for other people, so my friends and the people in my life are one of the things that bring me the most joy.”