The biannual Dance Happenings began Halloween weekend with the first of four shows starting in Falk Theatre and ending on the east Veranda of Plant Hall.
Featuring the talents of student performers from diverse majors, the happenings are a prime example of the expressive talent seen on campus. They came together nicely after the required long rehearsal schedules.
“It’s very difficult to pull a dance piece together, especially if you’re new,” said senior Kimi Lynn. “It’s difficult to manage your time well, since you really only have about five rehearsals before the program and prior to rehearsals you need to have the material. One two hour rehearsal equals a good five or six hours of the choreographer’s time to create.”
As a prerequisite to having an original dance featured in the recital, a student must complete the two dance courses, dance improvisation and composition and choreography, in addition to having performed in one of the Dance Happenings, prior to producing a piece for the show.
Due to class availability and only one happening occurring per semester, this process takes a full year to complete. With the assistance of dance instructors Susannah Lemarquand and Susan Taylor Lennon, students whose pieces have been accepted into the show have roughly seven weeks to audition, choreograph, costume and prepare the piece for the show.
“I think there is a standard set in place that keeps the show at a level that is where it should be and still progresses,” said junior exercise science major Preston Burris.
Composing a lyrical piece entitled Chain of Connections, Burris approached his number with an open mind to change his vision as he moved forward. “I don’t think [a choreographer] can have a dry cut . You have to apply it to your dancers and adapt it to them, shape it. Like with everyone, people have their strengths and weaknesses. And to be frank, sometimes the choreography just doesn’t look right.”
Pieces range between two and three minutes and include costumes as well as an assortment of genres from hip-hop to a-capella tap.
While many approached their pieces with the intent to edit and revise as they went along, Lynn drew from personal experiences, such as her upcoming graduation in December, the powerful words from President Obama and the unwavering support from her parents.
“My parents are a major part of my life, and I knew I wanted to do a tribute dance to them to express my love. It was an honor to dance for them and let them finally see what I have been doing the past four years.”
To view more photos from last weekend’s Dance Happening, visit The Crescent at minaretblog.com.
Mike Trobiano can be reached at mike.trobiano@gmail.com.