The energy is thick as staff and students design a riveting showcase of their talents in dance. The theme for this group of talented artists is “keeping it fresh.” A new group of dancers prepare a new set of pieces, introducing new styles that have yet to be experienced. The variety of dancers from beginners to pre-professionals solidifies the idea that this show is not just about dance.
“This performance features us and who we are,” said Beth Megill, co-director of “Speaking Movement.” “The new talent, new dancers, and the new energy mirrors the same hope of the last group.”
These dancers’ hopes are expanded by the number of routines that will be performed. Ten to eleven pieces will be included, all of which are designed to be about five to seven minutes on average.
“Each concept needs time to make an artistic statement beyond the entertainment value,” said Megill, “It requires more patience from the audience as each piece is a journey of discovery and revelation.”
A variety of dance styles will be incorporated including jazz, tap, ballet, modern/musical theater and for the first time, in Megill’s case, bollywood. ‘Speaking Movement’ will showcase the dancer’s passion for their art while giving the audience new insights into the world of dance.
“It’s an art of the people for the people, and we show that here,” said Megill, “We tell personal stories of heartbreak, joy, anger, or frustration as well as making social commentary about who we are in our community and in the world.”
The show is expected to not only inspire the people who go to see it, but the dancers as well.
“It’s a place to get all my emotions out,” said Amanda Sabbe, 19, a psychology major and dancer, “Just being in the show relieves the pressure. Even if it is consuming, it’s worth it.”
“We love dance,” said 17-year-old photography major and fellow dancer, Sabrina Sykora, “We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than on that stage entertaining everyone that comes to see us, whether it’s four hundred people or five. We’ll dance our hearts out every night because that’s how we do it.”
“Speaking Movement” will be on Nov. 18, 19, 20 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.
“This is the real thing, blemishes and all,” said Megill, “It’s not about perfection, it is about growth on the part of the dancers, choreographers, and the audience members.”
When the curtain rises, “Speaking Movement” may just be the one performance potentially capable of letting dance speak for itself, according to Megill.
(Photos by Chad Jones)
(Photos by Chad Jones)
(Photos by Chad Jones)
