Bree Legrand and Gabby Brown: The Choreographers Behind Ritmo
By Carmelle Jagaselvan ‘26
During every pep rally, Latinx assembly, Spring Dance Concert, and Beatstock, the Milton community has the opportunity to see one of the most explosive groups on campus perform: Ritmo. Known for its high-energy, Afrobeat and Latin-inspired dances, Ritmo serves as an avenue for students to share and explore different cultures at Milton. Of all of the dance groups at Milton, Ritmo is the most well-known and has performed the most consistently over the past few years. I wonder: how? What has allowed Ritmo to stay so consistent??
The answer was easy to find. This year’s Ritmo co-heads, Bree Legrand ‘25 and Gabby Brown ‘25, have profoundly shaped what Ritmo has become through their leadership. Through conversations with Legrand and Brown, I discovered that the group is so much more than just rehearsals and performances; Ritmo is defined by each member’s shared love of dance. When asked what motivated the two to lead the group, Legrand straightforwardly explained, “We’re a family, and we never want to let that aspect of family die.”
Legrand and Brown joined Ritmo in their freshman year. For both of them, joining the group was a way to explore their passion for dance in a new setting while also connecting with the cultures highlighted by Ritmo. Ritmo was a place where they knew they belonged, making the decision to apply for co-head easy and comfortable. Being co-heads of the dance group has allowed both Legrand and Brown to gain more confidence as choreographers. “Since I started choreographing for Ritmo, I’ve learned how to read the music better,” stated Brown. Likewise, Legrand explained, “I’ve learned how to pay closer attention to the details of the music and have started playing around more with texture and musicality.”
Unfortunately, Legrand’s and Brown’s choreography has not always been met with positivity. “Some people can be judgmental in the way that we express our talents. It comes from a lack of understanding that twerking or moving your waist doesn’t have to be sexualized because it’s a part of someone’s culture. We’re trying to appreciate the culture, not sexualize ourselves,” explained Brown. Although both co-heads agreed that the judgment toward how Ritmo chooses to express themselves can be discouraging, they choose to prioritize the community they have built through Ritmo and their passion for dance over how others see them.
The new Ritmo co-heads for next year, Chloe Yeo ‘26 and Shaleka Maddix ‘26, both expressed that Legrand and Brown serve as inspirations for them. “I definitely want to be as transparent about my vision as they have been,” explained Yeo. She also stated that she wants Ritmo to continue “advocating for a celebration of culture” next year, a mission that Legrand and Brown have been dedicated to. Maddix praised Legrand and Brown for their “patience, open-mindedness, and kindness,” and for reminding her “to just feel the music. Dancing doesn’t have to be perfect in order to be art.”
Prior to their final performance with Ritmo at Beatstock, Legrand and Brown reflected on their experiences with Ritmo and shared their hopes for the group’s future. “I’m really excited for our last performance, but it is bittersweet,” explained Legrand, “Ritmo has been such an integral part of my Milton experience, and for that to be ending so soon makes me sad, but I’m also so proud of Gabby and me for the work that we have done and so proud of our dancers.” Brown added, “I hope that the perception of Ritmo grows to be more appreciative and loving, and kind. As a team, I know that the family is so strong, and I hope that continues for life.” Above all, the two hope that even after they graduate, each dancer’s love for the art will continue to sustain the group, just as theirs did. “I really hope that our legacy has an impact on the school and our dancers,” explained Legrand, “and that everyone continues to have fun and love Ritmo as much as we always will.”