Author: Brenda McNary
The most widely attended and anticipated event of the year, Oxy’s spring Dance Production, may be a semester away, but organizers are already working hard to make sure this year’s show is better than ever.
Despite the mass appeal of Dance Production every year, the vast amount of work that takes place in the months between tryouts and the performance goes largely unacknowledged. Over the last few weeks, dancers and choreographers have been selected and rehearsals have begun, but preparing for the performance isn’t just about perfecting dance moves.
A whole host of other campus organizations are involved behind the scenes to make Dance Production a success. Between funding, planning, choreographing, costuming, lighting, and certainly much more, what happens before the performance might surprise you.
Dance Production Co-President Rachel Deitch (senior) mentioned strong choreography as the first step to a great show. Open to all Oxy students and alumni, choreography auditions for dance production strive to avoid the unfortunate pitfall of favoritism in a number of ways.
Choreography auditions were held on Nov. 19. Limited to 30 seconds each, potential choreographers presented their prepared routine to the Dance Production executive board, advisor, and Middle Campus Community Director Chad Myers, as well as each other.
Deitch emphasized the diversity of the judges’ tastes during selection. “Everyone looks for something different in choreography, which works well with the voting process,” Deitch said. “So while I look for interesting and innovative choreography, others look for fun choreography or choreography that can captivate an audience. These differences help give the show a well-rounded feel.”
Choreographers also have the opportunity to participate in the voting process, and all votes carry equal weight. Since the auditions attract such talented students, the voting process can be tough – Dance Production Treasurer Alyssa Cuervo (junior) found this year’s applicants to be very impressive.
“The competition this year to be a choreographer was tough because everyone who auditioned was not only an amazing dancer, they were [also] amazing choreographers,” Cuervo said. “Every dance is going to be a sight to see.”
Once choreographers were chosen, a Dancers Workshop was held on Sept. 26 to assign dancers to dances.
Throughout the semester, choreographers hold two-hour rehearsals every week with their dancers, attend bi-monthly planning meetings with the Executive Board and submit budget proposals for costumes and props.
Funding Dance Production every year is a team effort. While money generated from ticket sales helps to pay for costumes, tech crew and other incidental costs, Dance Production organizers also rely upon the support of ASOC, Athletics, Campus Safety and the Deans to secure Thorne Hall and rehearsal spaces for the show. Additionally, Dance Production coordinates with the Theater Department for help with lighting and sound during the event.
Showcasing the immense variety of dance talent at Oxy, Dance Production requires a staggering amount of planning as well as inter-campus collaboration. Thanks to the efforts of the Dance Production team, Co-President Nicole Leung (senior) is confident that this year’s show will be a hit.
When asked what audiences can expect to see this year, Leung mentioned tap, step, samba/merengue, jazz funk and broadway as new additions, with hula, belly dancing and salsa making their annual appearance as well. “Oxy students can definitely look forward to another phenomenal show,” she said. “They will not be disappointed!”
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