The dance department put on a performance to showcase what they have learned this semester.

“Evening of Dance” was held in the PAC with an audience full of family and friends on Thursday, May 12 and Friday, at May 13 at 7 p.m.

Emily Listick, 19-year-old engineering major, really enjoyed the performances while she was there to support her friend who performed in the Jazz II dance pieces.

“Everyone who performed did really well,” said Listick. “It was so fun to watch.”

The show started off with speeches from dance instructors and choreographers, Robert Salas, chair of the dance department, and Beth Megill, co-director of dance. Salas thanked everyone in the dance department and the technical crew for helping out with the show while Megill announced what we would see in the show.

Although this was a final for the dancers, Megill stated that this was a final for the students in the technical department taking stagecraft THA M20A as well.

“They are here to learn and show how arts can change lives,” said Megill.

The audience saw dances from all the dance classes at Moorpark College including:

• Movement Improvisation 1 and 2
• Modern Dance 1 and 2
• Jazz Dance II, III and IV
• Ballet Variations
• Tap II,III
• Hip Hop Tuesday Night
• Ballroom I and II
• Guest Performances from Megill and Co. and LA Dance Moves
• Student and Alumni performance
• Jazz III, IV solos
• M56 Ensemble Student Choreography

The 90 minute show ran without intermission, but took pauses for the technical crew to strike down the dance mats and prepare for the tap and hip hop routines. The crowd showed lots of support for the dancers by cheering them on as they strike down. The crowd also went wild for the hip-hop team as they performed a country western themed dance.

Julia Shipp, 20-year-old child development major, was in the hip-hop piece and felt her performance went really well.

“The experience was really fun,” said Shipp. “We all got along like family.”

For Sergio Barrientos, 20-year-old dance major, rehearsals were fun since it’s something they have worked on for a while to prepare for the show. Barrientos has been taking a dance class every semester since fall 2013 and has familiarized himself with the dance department and faculty.

“It’s a very positive environment to be part of,” said Barrientos.

Barrientos was in dances for his ballet variations, movement improvisation and ensemble classes.

“The show went smoothly for the most part,” said Barrientos “I felt everyone did their best.”

Barrientos felt his performance on Thursday night wasn’t as smooth, but was able to redeem himself for the second show. Overall, the turn-out for the shows went really well.

The college will be offering jazz, ballroom and ballet dance classes over the summer. The course schedule for summer and fall 2016 can be found in the college website.

The program offers courses for a performers of all levels and abilities, no prior experience is necessary.

Also, stay on the look out for “Speaking Movement” dance concert in the fall semester directed by Vivian Goldes.