A packed weekend of performances, the SHU Dance Program is producing five shows in three days.
Friday night at 7 p.m., the program starts with “Rhythm in Motion,” which is filled with all up-beat styles and songs. The Inception Dance Crew, Rhythm Tap Crew and Claddagh Irish Step Dance Team will be performing.
Contributed by Annalisa Darienzo, ’27
Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. will be the dance company’s student choreography, “In Process.” Students auditioned to have their choreography showcased prior to the fall semester and now their work will be performed by dancers this weekend.
Saturday night and Sunday afternoon the dance ensemble showcases “Move the Night: Program A” and “Move the Night: Program B.” These shows will be a mix of all styles of choreography by students and faculty of the program.
Lastly, Sunday night at 7 p.m., the dance company will present “Boundless Expressions.” These dances will include duets, small groups and large groups that all have a different meaning to them and include various elements and styles.
Audiences can expect a weekend filled with movement and artistic expression by the students.
“We have five shows going on that weekend,” said Dance Program Coordinator Kelly McGill. “Three of them are primarily student choreography.”
With shows focusing on students’ creativity, this gives each dancer the opportunity to showcase their passion for a rigorous artform.
“The dance program gives each dancer the opportunity to exercise their love and passion for dance,” said senior Kristen Alleva, president of the program. “There are many groups within the program that
perform, such as the Dance Ensemble, Dance Company, Irish Step, Claddagh, Rhythm Tap Crew and Inception Dance Crew.”
With so many different groups and styles, preparing for multiple shows can come with its own set of challenges. Each group must find choreography that fits with their dancers and captures the spirit.
“One challenge is definitely finding the right choreography that works for your class,” said senior Marissa Lambert, recruitment chair of the program. “Every class is so different, and the program is so big.”
She also stressed challenges logistically. There are lots of dances that all vary in skills and style which can make it hard to run smoothly.
“We try to make the setlist have a good variety and flow,” said McGill.
Dancers said with difficult choreography, formations and transitions, it is so rewarding to see their pieces come together and their hard work pay off.
“I love when all the choreography gets put together at the end and we have a completed dance routine,” said senior Kristina Esposito.
After the dances are complete, visual elements also play a key role in bringing each performance to life.
“Costumes can definitely be a part of the choreography and establish the character,” said McGill. “Even if it’s contemporary, you still want to see what person is in the dance.”
Costume decisions often reflect the vision of the choreographer while also telling a story to their audience.
“Each choreographer has their own idea for what they want in costumes,” said Lambert. “Whether its the color scheme or certain style of clothing.”
Every detail, from clothing to movement, is considered to help convey emotion and a narrative.
“As artists, we want the audience to feel something and we want to tell them a story,” said Alleva.
The end of the semester performances brings not just the excitement for these performers, but also a moment to reflect on the journey. For many seniors, it’s a bittersweet time filled with memories.
“As a senior, I’m definitely feeling a lot of emotions all at once,” said Esposito. “I am also going to miss dancing with everyone and all the friends I made along the way.”
Every dancer, whether they are seniors or underclassmen, contribute their energy and talent to make these shows truly special.
“Seeing everyone dance their heart out on stage and seeing all the hard work they put into their pieces is beyond rewarding,” said Alleva.
To experience these shows, tickets are now on sale to the public. For students, tickets will become available in the box office two days before each show.
“I want the audience to really experience how dance and music exist together and feed off one another to tell a story,” said McGill.
