By Sarah McMillin, Staff writer
The Susquehanna Dance Corps will be perform its annual showcase, this year entitled “Dancing Through Life,” on April 15 at 2 p.m. in Weber Chapel Auditorium.
The showcase will feature about 70 student dancers performing 28 routines, which were choreographed and taught by other Susquehanna students.
Senior Rachel Keegan, the president of Dance Corps, said planning for the showcase has been in place since last May.
“To learn and perfect a routine takes about 3 months, as well as ordering costumes, designing lights and cutting music takes a lot of time on my part as well as our choreographers and executive members,” Keegan said.
“Dance Corps is like a baby,” Keegan said. “Every year, we teach the baby how to walk and function with new choreographers, executive members and dancers.”
Sophomore Steph Shirk also commented on the process of practicing for the showcase.
“There’s only a spring showcase because we want to give our choreographers time to teach some basics in their classes before they begin teaching choreography,” Shirk said. “It gives them a chance to teach more things to everyone, as well as see what their students can do so the dances are the best they can possibly be.”
Shirk also explained the involvement required in the showcase’s performances.
“I would definitely say I’ve enjoyed this year’s intermediate contemporary dance the most,” Shirk said. “It’s sharp, emotional and I get into a different person when I’m practicing it.”
Keegan also commented on the work done specifically with graduating seniors through the showcase.
“The routine that I have had the most fun with is our senior routine,” Keegan said. “I loved being able to work closely with 12 other seniors to create a routine that displayed all of our individual styles.”
“The 13 of us seldom spend time together and being able to collaborate and create a routine together was so much fun,” Keegan continued. “I cannot wait to share my last moments in Dance Corps with them.”
Shirk added her enjoyment for seeing the collaboration between all members of Dance Corps.
“My favorite part is always watching everyone’s dance for the first time,” Shirk said. “It’s so fun to see what the choreographers have put together; the costumers, the lighting, the music… It all ties together into something so unique.”
“Putting together a two minute dance over the course of two semesters as a full time student is not an easy task,” Shirk continued. “I give a lot of props to the choreographers for always putting together great dances from every aspect.”