The Moorpark College Dance department welcomes their fall recital “Speaking Movement” to the Performing Arts Center this November. This event will consists of work from students that are taking the dance preparation class.
“Speaking Movement” is a recital doubling as both an opportunity for students to see what dance culture is all about, as well as a hands-on lesson in dance production for the performers.
Director and producer Vivian Goldes’s goal is to make sure that her students not only enjoy and are proud of the performance they put on, but that they are disciplined in all aspects of putting together a performance. To make sure that they know and are aware of how much goes into planning an event of this magnitude, according to Goldes.
“What we are trying to do is to teach [students] to be a part of a production team,” said Goldes. “You may not want to end up being a dancer or your career as a dancer may be short, but then you have the training and skills to do other things.”
Goldes is also choreographing a piece for the concert. Goldes says she received her inspiration for her piece from American artists Keith Haring’s, who had the vision of making art accessible for everybody no matter their income or social class.
“Speaking Movement” has students working on and off the stage at all times. Students don’t only have the responsibility to memorize intense dance routines, but also have jobs to do behind the stage, said 22-year-old Dance major Zane Atkinson.
“We have to make sure that we keep our costumes in check, getting the word out, putting posters up,” said Atkinson. “We get to do a little bit of everything to put the show together.”
Atkinson explains how everyone involved coordinates with each other to deliver a grand show. However, even though Atkinson says rehearsals are really fun, challenges do present themselves in the process.
“I think one of the biggest challenges we have is making sure everyone is in sync with their arm movements and postures,” said Atkinson.
“Speaking Movement” will be held in the Performing Arts Center on Nov. 17-19 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets for this concert range from $10 to $15. To purchase tickets, visit www.moorparkcollege.edu/PAC or call (805) 378-1485.
