Excitement fills the room as dancers move to the music echoing from the speakers. The tempo starts increasing, and with it, the audience’s anticipation.

All of a sudden, the dancers stop moving, and their breathing is the only thing that could be heard. A moment of silence. And then, the audience bursts out in applause and cheers, whistling at the tops of their lungs.

Last night, students from Coppell High School’s Dance to Make a Difference hosted its annual recital, bringing the CHS Commons to life.

Both the music selection and dance style varied in its cultural origin. Songs of various backgrounds were presented in the show. From Indian songs such as “Dhaari Choodu” by Penchal Das and Hiphop Tamizha to “MIC Drop” by BTS representing music from K-pop, members of Dance to Make a Difference compiled music from multiple corners of the world.

Dance to Make a Difference also incorporated singing within the dance recital. CHS senior Mourya Yerramreddy and junior Suraj Kalpat sung “Stay” by Rihanna, a softer song interspersed with the more energetic dance music. Even within the dance selection, members of the club experimented with various genres, from belly dancing to classical fusion dance.

“They did amazing,” Dance to Make a Difference sponsor Angela Barnes said. “I’ve been privileged to see them work in the classroom every week, but what I saw them rehearse in the classroom was only a fraction of what they did tonight. So much work went into it outside of school, outside of the club time.”

For these dancers, the recital meant more than just the dancing itself. All profits made from ticket sales will be donated to Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence, honoring the club’s promise to “make a difference”.

“I know there’s events like this such as Heritage Night,” senior club member Sahithi Arimanda said. “But this is something that’s going to charity. It’s a fundraiser, and that means a lot to the people who are receiving the money.”

Not only does this club benefit larger charities and organizations, but it is also a positive aspect in the students’ lives. From the weekly club meetings in school to last-minute weekend rehearsals, a tight-knit community within Dance to Make a Difference has emerged.

“My favorite part about this whole thing was the friends I made,” junior club member Ronak Indurti said. “I would’ve never met most of these people if it wasn’t for this club, and I was able to get so close to them. I love being able to share something I love with my friends.”

The recital concluded with a spirited performance from eight members of the club to a Tamil and Telugu mix, alongside an audience cheering on their feet and clapping to the beat.

“Just dancing itself might not make that big of a difference,” Indurti said. “But dancing with purpose, dancing for a cause, it creates such a rewarding feeling.”

Follow Karen on Twitter @_karenlu_