In his first ever program note, after 14 Dance Concerts, Head of the Performing Arts Department and Dance teacher Michael McGowan, who is leaving Spence at the end of this academic year to devote greater time to personal projects and family life, wrote: “To all the folks who have ever warmed a seat at a Spence Dance Concert here at Symphony Space…thank you for allowing us to share our stories. Thank you for the energy that you’ve given to these dancers each and every concert. Thank you for the many lovely words that you have shared with me about my work. And thank you for embracing the very art form that has kept me fascinated throughout much of my life.”

His finale Dance Concert in February culminated more than a decade of work dedicated to the teaching and learning of dance as a creative art form, a storytelling platform and a means of emotional and physical expression. Mr. McGowan did not disappoint, nor did his audience members. In two evenings of full houses, Time Enough to Wind Up a Music Box dazzled, delighted and inspired both the performers and the viewers.

“This concert has allowed me to wax nostalgic about the music, the images and the moments from past concerts that have stuck with me,” Mr. McGowan shared. “It’s allowed me to reflect back on those moments and reimagine them in the present, and humbly hope that they will live on for a bit into the future within our collective memory.”

The colorful and explorative show featured eclectic forms of dance with a variety of music, challenging students to push their physical and psychological limits. The “mature” performance, as one audience member phrased it, also showcased the students’ multitude of talents. Students choreographed (and danced) in many of the pieces, including “We’ve Still Got Time,” “Before You Go...,” “Keep It Real,” “in passing” and “Fast Forward.”

Head of School Bodie Brizendine appeared on stage at the end of each performance with a bouquet of roses in her arms for an emotional salute to Mr. McGowan. After inviting all alumnae in the audience to come join them, she announced, “You have graced our stage and our world for 14 years. We cannot tell you how much we’re going to miss you. We love you.”

And that could not be more true for Mr. McGowan’s troop of dancers. He has educated, enthused, trained and revealed the most imaginative and artistic graces of his Upper School students who model and revere him. He is even the cause of the most unique Halloween costumes. This October students dressed in black with red, white and gray scarves and those signature red-framed glasses—a tribute to one of their favorite teachers and fearless leaders.

The feeling is mutual. Mr. McGowan took his final bow on stage at Symphony Space alongside his students, who he also thanked as they “close a chapter and turn a page.” He added, “You’ve inspired me, maddened me, humbled me, challenged me, laughed with me, cried with me, sung with me, danced with me…and wrapped up this very special time with me.”

View a full gallery of photos here and a video of the performance!