To dance is to perform, to tell a story through a nontraditional route and that is exactly what Moorpark College students plan to do at this year’s “Motion Flux.”
“Motion Flux” is a dance concert series focusing on student choreographers who have taken choregraphy and improvisation classes, according to Robert Salas, assistant chair of music and dance.
“Motion Flux” is expected to fill the house and will have various performances on April 21 through 23 at 8 p.m. and April 24 at 2 p.m.
Students within the dance program at Moorpark College get the chance to create a piece and submit their work to be featured in “Motion Flux,” said Salas.
“Some of the best pieces are selected to be on stage with mentors to help them and give them feedback,” said Salas.
Zuly Lopez, 18-year-old kinesiology major, loves dance and thinks this event is a fun and creative way to stay involved with the school.
“Being a part of ‘Motion Flux’ is a lot of fun and serious hard work, but I think it’s definitely worth it,” said Lopez.
“Motion Flux” is really a representation of the students’ work. The faculty serves as a guide and helping hand, but when it comes down to it, it’s all the students’ hard work coming to life, said Salas.
“We ask the choreographers, ‘What was your intent and what were you trying to do?’ and help guide them,” said Salas. “If we tell them what to change, the student doesn’t benefit.”
There are currently four student choregraphers that are enrolled in DANC M55 – Dance Rehearsal & Performance and two student choregraphers working with students enrolled in DANC M56 – Performing Dance Ensemble, all whom are participating in the event.
In order to participate in “Motion Flux,” students have to be enrolled in the corresponding classes which include DANC M55 and M56 and a co-requisite of DANC M51 – Elements of Dance Production, according to Salas.
“M51 really helps prepare students for the best possible practices and rehearsals; teaching them the do’s and don’ts,” said Salas. “They learn the process that is producing a dance concert.”
Salas, being a teacher and mentor, is most excited to see the students’ hard work come to fruition.
“For me as a choreographer I’m really excited by seeing them embrace their own creativity,” said Salas. “That is kind of our philosophy in this particular line of work; to let the students own their work. I think by seeing it, they will address it and use that as a learning experience.”
So make sure to come out and support Moorpark College’s dance department and watch some amazing performances put together by the students themselves.
“Overall, I think this show is going to be great,” said Salas. “The students’ work that I have seen are very strong pieces. It’s going to be a great show.”
Ticket prices range from $8 to $12 and can be purchased online at http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/theatre-arts/performing-arts-center
