“We are hoping to get more [alumni] because it’s impressive to reach 20 years of continuous coffee houses,” Creative Arts Department Chair Bill Jacob said said.  

In past years, Circles has been a place for students and faculty alike to come together and perform, fostering a sense of community in the Creative Arts Department. In the past, performances have come from faculty, as well as students of all divisions of the School.  

Maya Lownie ’24 performed at the coffee house last year and will be performing this year.

“Last year, I danced with alumna, Haripriya Mallidi. Together, we performed a Classical Indian Dance titled “Shiv Shakti” in the dance form of Kuchipudi. Through this dance, we told the story of the Hindu god Shiva and the goddess Parvati, and how their ultimate power is created through their eternal bond. This year, I hope to do something similar,” Lownie said. 

“I am currently deciding between two dances: one pure dance in the form of Odissi, or another in Kuchipudi with a similar story-dance format. Either way, I look forward to all the artistry that goes into and comes out of the coffee house, and cannot wait to experience it again.”

Zakkai Mares-Van-Praag ’22 is one of the alumni returning to perform. He fondly remembers his coffee house experiences. 

“Last year as an alum, I did “As It Was” with Sophia Spring, who I also did “Into the Unknown” with a prior year. In the virtual coffeehouse, I sang “Say Something” with my mom. I’m not sure what I plan to do yet this year.” 

Note: Coffee house sign-ups are still available. Students and faculty are encouraged to perform.