MARION — Tabor Academy Dance Coach and choreographer Kimberlee Williams took the school’s recent community reading book, “Into the Raging Sea” as inspiration for a dance number.

Williams choreographed the number to honor the 33 crew members who lost their lives when the container ship El Faro sank in Hurricane Joaquin. 

“Reading the book overwhelmed me in many ways. Getting to know the characters, the laws, the hierarchies, and all of the decisions that lead to the sinking of this massive ship with 33 precious lives on it simply robbed me of sleep at night. I imagined that the outcome would have been different if so many folks had spoken up or if others had listened to those who found the courage to speak up,” Williams said.

Rather than stew in her compassion, empathy and anger, Williams decided to put it “into choreography, as I often do. It’s a release for me. But, I gave the characters in the story the unity and support that they needed to create an ending that our hearts long for reading the book.”

Williams called the work, “one of the most difficult pieces I’ve put together in my career as a choreographer,” but added “it was worth it to see it all come together.” 

The Nov. 7 recital will start at 6:30 p.m. at Hoyt Hall, and will also include other group, solo, and duet numbers.