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 Students involved in MSU's Dance Ensemble have been putting in long hours of practice the past few weeks in preparation for their dance concert titled "In the Space Between" with performances April 15 through April 18, in Button Auditorium.
The concert features works of Elijah Gibson, a former dancer with Giordano's Jazz Dance Chicago Dance Company and present assistant professor of dance at Shenandoah University, and Roxie Thomas, artistic director and founder of the Doniphan Project Dance Company in Washington, D.C.
The concert also includes works by Natasha Davis, MSU assistant professor of dance and director of the Dance Ensemble and MSU students Maranda Bowling, Mitchell Haley, Christina Jeans, and Zach March. Several students in MSU's dance program are participating in the show.
Davis said in this week's show, "The audience can expect a program of dance that is a true feast for the artistic palate — rich in stylistic diversity, saturated in striking imagery, and kinetically exhilarating."
Davis said many students in the program come from her dance classes in MSU's dance program.
Davis said the program is actually part of the MSU Theater and Dance program, but is available to students as a minor and her classes usually are full.
"This semester I have 28 in my ballet class and 20 in my Pilates class," Davis said. "I teach all kinds of dance — beginning ballet, Pilates, modern, jazz, improv, technique, and Hip Hop."
Davis said the dance classes are open to any interested student and she has had faculty members take them.
Grades in the classes are based on student performance, Davis said. Students are evaluated on how well they learn the dance terminology and how well they recreate dance combos.
Davis said only the students involved in Dance Ensemble perform.
"Dance Ensemble is a dance company," Davis said. "We practice Monday through Friday, and prepare members for real world-auditioning for a dance company, or preparing for any professional dance career."
Davis said students who audition for the Ensemble must have a background in dance, because technique is not taught.
"They must be able to pick up on choreography quickly, and bring energy when performing," Davis said. "They are like actors, but instead of talking, motions are shown with their bodies."
Zach March has been involved with the Dance Ensemble for three years. He said he choose to try out for the Ensemble after the first performance he attended.
"I saw a dance show my freshman year, and didn't even know they had it," March said. "I was inspired."
March said the Dance Ensemble has helped him with his dance career.
"I have made connections with top of the line professionals and improved overall as a dancer," March said. "I've grown as I've done it."
Davis said the Ensemble has put in many hours of work learning pieces, rehearsing pieces, and choreographing pieces for this week's show.
"A lot of time, effort, and energy goes into every aspect of presenting a dance concert," Davis said. "Each Dance Ensemble member or student choreographer has dedicated a lot of hard work toward honing their craft and creating magnificent artistry."
Davis said, "We hope everyone will come and join us for a thrilling evening through the world of dance.
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