Students are taking the lead in the choreography of the new dance concert production “Dancing Through Life.”
The concert is expected to be a rich dance repertoire of 14 different style of dances including hip-pop, contemporary jazz and contemporary musical theatre dances. Southwestern College professor and director of the dance concert, Dana Maue said she is thrilled to showcase the students work.
“We have an amazing dance program with such talented students,” Maue said. “Their talents shine at stage, you are going to want to come back for more.”
Selected students had the unique opportunity to create and direct their own choreography.
“Not all colleges are able to have them (the students) audition and have their own show,” Maue said.
Maue added that an event of this caliber takes a big effort to be constructed. Beginning in January, the dance department held student auditions inviting interested choreography students to sign up. Candidates provided their choreography plans including the theme of the dance, music and costume designs.
Choreography student Karla Escobar, who was among the students selected to submit choreography, said she is polishing her piece.
“I choreograph because I want to portray my vision onto other people and being able to make my vision come alive,” Escobar said.
Choreography student Jose Vega said he is excited for the opportunity to project his story into his dance presentation.
“I like creating a story,” Vega said. “I like to create something where the audience can relate to and can feel emotionally attached to it.”
The students advertised dance auditions for their pieces mainly through flyers posted around the SWC campus. Social media was also utilized to promote the dance auditions.
Choreographers were responsible for the selection of dancers based on performance ability, quality of dance movements and harmony with the music pieces.
Selected dancers were enrolled in the “SWC Dance Rehearsal Workshop” for eight weeks. Maue and Professor Mary Jo Horvath, the dance department program director, monitored the rehearsals and provided guidance as needed. But the choreography students were responsible for running the rehearsals, which included discussing costume planning and providing their choreography plan for each session.
School of Arts Theater Professor Mike Buckley’s class also collaborated by working as the stage crew for the choreographers. The stage crew provides technical recommendations to enhance the stage environment feel according to each dance. They also provide the props and install the dance floor. Choreographers and stage crew members work together at the technical rehearsals to ensure that all will run smoothly during the dance concert.
“When I start choreographing, I try to imagine how I want it at stage,” Vega said. “They (stage crew) try to do their best to bring my vision to life. They make it look so good.”
Dance program student Jovani Ahmad Chavez said SWC offers the best training through the professionalism and extensive knowledge of their instructors.
Dance faculty and students said they are excited with the construction of a Performing Art Center, which is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The Performing Art Centers two new studios will allow the SWC dance program to grow. Chavez said he is thrilled with the upcoming opening of the Performing Art Center.
“Now that we are getting a new performing art building it is just another way of going ahead with our careers,” Chavez said.
