Over this past weekend, the lively choreography danced in Jesuit’s latest musical has begun to dazzle the community. A Chorus Line runs from Feb. 26, 2026-March 8, 2026, and features singing, monologues, and lots of dancing. While many recognize the countless hours of effort from the ensemble, there has been just as much work put in behind the scenes, especially from assistant choreographer and Jesuit sophomore Hannah Macielinski.
Macielinski has been working as assistant choreographer for Jesuit’s A Chorus Line. This musical is about a group of dancers auditioning for a Broadway show, some getting cut but some making it far, while showing the process of the director.
“It’s almost like a show within a show,” said Macielinski.
Though she is only fifteen, Macielinski has over twelve years of dance experience. She trained as a competitive dancer, has choreographed her own solos, is a current member of Jesuit’s pom dance team, and began working as an assistant choreographer during her freshman year with Jesuit’s Hadestown.
Helping alongside the main choreographer, Xander Dean, Macielinski led warm ups for the cast, learned choreography, helped break down and explain the steps, and ultimately worked as a mentor for the cast as they learned their routines.
If it weren’t for her schedule conflicts, Macielinski would have loved to be in the show. After explaining the situation to director Amberley Orr, she was able to find a position that could be flexible with her needs.
“She gave me the role of an assistant choreographer and just trusted me, and I think that was just so kind of her, and I’m so grateful for her giving me this opportunity,” said Macielinski.
While her other commitments didn’t allow a chance for Macielinski to be in the musical, she believes it all worked out for her regardless.
“I also just love my job and love being able to help people, and I feel like I’m not the best actor or singer, but I am a dancer,” said Macielinski.
A Chorus Line featured many styles of dance, such as jazz, ballet, and tap. One challenge Macielinski described was being able to convey the ideas to the cast in a language that they could understand. Being so immersed in the world of dance, it is important to know how to break down steps and explain them in a way the whole cast could understand. Part of what made the show so exciting for Macielinski was sharing her passion with people who had little to no dance experience and seeing their growth as rehearsals progressed.
“The most rewarding [part] was seeing it come together on stage. It was really beautiful to watch all the hard work the cast, choreographers, directors, and tech crew put into it, watching it on stage, and people just saying how amazing the dancing looked,” said Macielinski.
Her experience as assistant choreographer has taught Macielinski leadership, trust, and patience. She recalls that this role has taught her to trust herself more as a dancer and choreographer.
“It gives me this leadership role that puts me in a position where people can trust me and get to learn, and I get to teach. It’s just really fun. Having this experience just means I can take it with me and apply it to other dance experiences or choreography experiences outside of high school,” said Macielinski.
An especially unique aspect of Macielinski’s role was teaching upperclassmen. She noted that it was interesting to have them looking to her for advice, but that it was ultimately a very special experience learning how to gain their trust as a sophomore.
“I’ve learned that anyone can be a leader,” said Macielinski.
For Macielinski, her role as assistant choreographer has been more than a title. It represents the opportunity to help her community, grow in personal confidence, and inspire others.
