A weekend of dance: students show talent in varying genres

Dance department shares grace in beauty in spring concert

Hilary Disch
features editor

Last week, supporters of Millikin’s dance department surely had their fill of everything from ballet to hip hop, modern to jazz. In an extraordinary effort from Millikin’s dance faculty and students, three productions were put on over the course of just three days in Kirkland Fine Arts Center (KFAC).

Equinox, the department’s annual dance concert, was held on Thursday, March 31 and Friday, April 1. Directed by Adjunct Instructor of Dance Ya-Ju Lin, this year’s concert featured ballet and modern dance.

“I am in dance ensemble, so we have class Tuesday and Thursday to learn dances. Dances outside of ensemble are learned on our own times, taught by students. Each piece takes teamwork and effort and commitment from everyone, and I think it showed in both Equinox and the showcase,” sophomore Kirsten Williams, athletic training major and dance minor, said.

In addition to Equinox, an additional program was added to the already busy weekend. A dance showcase, produced, directed, performed and choreographed by dance students, was performed on April 1 before the dance concert.

“It’s nice to be able to produce your work in front of your peers and those interested in seeing it...The show went well, only 32 minutes long and it seemed to me that the audience enjoyed it a lot,” senior Steve Ewing, student choreographer, said.

The three days of dance culminated on Saturday, April 2 with a performance by Chicago-based dance company Thodos Dance Chicago. Six Millikin dance students auditioned earlier this semester to study and perform with this professional group.

“The Thodos piece was the most exhilarating experience, one that I have never had before. Working with the company all day on Saturday really showed me that even though they are professionals, they are just like us! They joke around, mess up, stretch and do human things!” Williams said. “Everyone was supportive of us and that really helped us feel comfortable. We were all in awe of them, and every dancer was an excellent role model. This was an awesome opportunity and I hope Millikin gets another chance like this in the future!”

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