Take a trip into “disturbing reality” through this weekend’s Junior Choreography Showcase titled “Defining Space.”
Eight junior dance majors and minors of the department will debut their choreography talents in Ball Gym as a part of the department’s annual showcase. The show will open in the Korsgaard Dance Studio on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Each Spring Semester junior dance majors and minors of the program get the opportunity to participate in the showcase, exhibiting their creative talents and bringing a memorable show to the Ball State and Muncie communities, said the group of choreographers. This year is no different; the students promise a show of variety including a dark contemporary piece “A Disturbing Reality,” choreographed by Emily Schmidt; a more athletic modern dance, “Through the Waves,” arranged by Michele Mackowiak and “When the Sun Goes Down,” a contemporary modern piece by Madison Baker.
Tori Cashman, a sophomore dance major and performer in the showcase, believes the show’s variety and flow will intrigue the audience. “Most of the pieces work really well together, sometimes shows are kind of all over the place and don’t make a lot of sense, but the show flows pretty well together,” she said.
This year’s showcase will end with a “bang,” said Cashman, referencing the closing tap dance number, “TaylorTylerHalieBaylee,” choreographed by Nicholas Smith.
Sophomore performer Lisa Curatolo described the piece as refreshing, offering the audience more upbeat entertainment from the dark, slower pieces.
The choreographers agree the show’s name, Defining Space, truly encompasses their sole intention.
“It’s [Defining Space] taking our own definitions of what the space means to us,” said Kristin Dowdy, choreographer of the jazz-dance piece titled “Flexion.” Name creator Kaylin Klein said both the name and show allow the choreographers and performers to express their individuality.
Behind this weekend’s performances are months of planning, practices and technical details. The juniors auditioned dancers during the end of the 2012 Fall Semester and have since held weekly practices. They’ve learned the principles of production from stage lighting and run-throughs of tech week, said Baker.
Along the way, they’ve also learned more about themselves and the others around them.
“I know myself better ... I know who I am [as a choreographer],” Mackowiak said.
Dancer Curatolo admitted that being led by someone her own age was difficult, but with respect the dancers and choreographers forged through to a great show.
The choreographers, along with the support from the department, urge everyone to attend this weekend’s showcase with an open mind. And, if you need another reason to support, junior choreographer Seth Robinson said, “Who wouldn’t want to see a bunch of hot ladies dancing?”
