Dawn Patrol

Dawn Patrol examines the theme of heroism through multiple lenses—first in the harrowing experiences of the dawn patrol pilots during World War II, and then in the tangible parallels of the personal sacrifices made in everyday life. The dancers embody the contrast of courage and inner turmoil within these young aviators. As a symbol of hope and resilience, they soar above the clouds at sunrise. Yet, beneath them lies the ominous shadow of enemy territory—the relentless reminder of the danger they face. This juxtaposition mirrors the quiet heroism that can be found in the mundane: the parent who sets aside their own personal aspirations for those of their child’s future, the caregiver who offers up their own time and energy for the well-being of another, the individual who forgoes personal desires for the advancement of a greater cause. The choreography captures the tension between the ethereal beauty of these moments of selflessness and the heavy burdens they carry, reflecting the universal truth that true heroism is defined through its immense sacrifice.

Notes by Emma Love Suddarth.