Lauren Hansen is a junior journalism-news major and writes "Lauren's Lookback" for the Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper. Write to Lauren at lahansen@bsu.edu.
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The Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of “Swing!” started off with a breathtaking dance number and it just kept delivering until the finale. Directed and choreographed by Michael Worcel and Christie Zimmerman, with musical direction by Jodi Cotton, “Swing!” takes us back into a cultural movement that took place during a significant time in American history.
“Swing!” takes place in the 1930s and '40s, when the swing dance movement swept the nation — specifically at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, where many swing dance moves were created.
But a rose such as swing dance had to bloom out of a few thorns. Swing dance came alongside the Great Depression and Civil Rights movement, the economic and social wake-up calls in our country. The clubs where dancers escaped to swing the night away were some of the only places where people could escape being called rich or poor, black or white and just dance. Just swing!
The musical is filled to the brim with talent from the musicians, to the dancers, to the vocalists, all of whom led us by the hand onto the dance floor of the Savoy. Some songs you will recognize and get this nostalgic feeling that washes over you, even though most of us weren’t even a thought in someone’s mind back then. Other songs you won’t recognize, but the musical performance reels you in so fast, it makes you want to dance as though you swing every Friday night with these people.
University Theatre feels as though it is reconstructed to be the Savoy Ballroom, complete with a smoky atmosphere and dramatic lighting to match the dramatic spirit of the musical numbers. The set is energetic, decadent and ready for a dancing good time.
The set’s rich scene has the band on stage so they are a part of the performance themselves, as many of the vocalists and dancers use the band members in their performances. This decision adds so much feeling into the music as you see the musicians and dancers alike having a great time doing what they love.
This production had the audience laughing one minute and ready to get up and dance the next, but overall it left us in awe of the talent that Ball State has to offer.
With all the negativity going on in the world around us, whether that be the violence or the politics, it has everyone up in arms ready to fight to the death to defend what they think is right. “Swing!” reminds us to stop, put down our weapons and look at the big picture: everyone is equal and important. Let’s stop hating and start dancing!
You can catch “Swing!” in University Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 through Nov. 12 or at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 13. Tickets are available through the University Box Office (765-285-8749) or online at bsu.tix.com. Tickets are $18 for the general public and $15 for BSU students and faculty.
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