The Student Dance Happening is always an exciting opportunity for students to cast, choreograph, costume and basically put on an entire show, while bringing out their own artistic uniqueness within each of their pieces.
The Happening relies solely on students, which makes this show so unique.
This year, about 24 students and alumni came together to choreograph yet another exciting evening of dances.
Styles included jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop and contemporary.
Overall, the Happening showcased a variety of dances representing the talented Dance department that lies within The University of Tampa.
This year, UT’s dance department serves as a proud supporter of the P.E.A.C.E. organization.
This month, P.E.A.C.E.’s main focus is to end domestic violence towards women.
The Happening changed its tradition this year by starting off the night in the historic David Falk Theater, rather than the Edison Building.
This meant big changes, including a much larger stage, lights and a larger house for the audience; each night the Happening brought in over three hundred people.
The first half showcased elaborate performances such as the Halloween favorite: “Let It All Be A Bad Dream,” choreographed by Senior Kimi Lynn, “HERstory,” choreographed by senior Annae Robinson, and of course, the Act One finale: “Backstabber,” choreographed by senior Alex Newman.
The program then moved to the East Veranda of Plant Hall, where eleven more dances were showcased, including the B.S.U. (Black Student Union) piece: “Give Me A Break,” choreographed by Shakira Christie and Ericka Womack-Brown and a medley dance by the University of Tampa’s Dance Team, The Spartan Scarlets.
It was astonishing to see the amount of dancers involved (some in more than four pieces), the variety some dancers had and the passion they emanated from each dance.
To perfect four different dances, each a different style, on top of school and other extra curricular activities is just impressive.
It’s always interesting to sit back and watch your peers, with whom you share Biology or some other non-dance related course, get up in front of hundreds of people and dance.
It shows a completely different side of them you might have never known existed.
This goes for the choreographers as well. Many with majors such as Biology, Psychology, and Marketing, displayed the technique and passion of a full time Dance major.
The Happening were, once again, a success and certainly showcased the talent that is sometimes hidden within UT.
The next production put on by the University of Tampa’s dance department will be an Evening of Experimental Dance, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. in the Scarfone/Hartley Gallery in the Bailey Art Building.
The art show in the gallery will feature work by three UT alumnus, and the evening includes a reception. Hope to see you there!