Backstage there is a boom of activity. Each corner of the dressing rooms are occupied by students getting ready for their next performance while in a separate room, various dancers practice their moves before they proceed onstage. To an onlooker, it appears hectic. Yet to the dancers, it is just another day.
The Campus Theater, located in Lot K, is featuring “Rhythms!” a dance concert featuring various styles of dances from hip-hop to belly dancing. The concert will be today at 1 p.m. and will continue until Dec. 2. Each piece portrays its own sense of individuality.
“It is an eclectic concert with a variety of dance styles including ballet, jazz, modern, and tap,” Daniel Berney, dance professor, said. “Because of this, most of our dancers are featured throughout the concert,”
The pieces are a chance for dancers to show their talents through their preferred dance of choice.
“Each piece is roughly four to five minutes long and portrays the dancers in their element through the unique rhythms of each performance.”
With each piece, the dancers become one with their performances.
“They are at a point where it is not just another performance. They become a part of the production,” Hiroshi Hamanishi, tap director, said. “Each dancer is enriched by their pieces, making them more in tune with their performances.”
The concert also gives the dancers an opportunity to display their unique talents for more than one show, perfecting their craft and exhibiting their artistry.
“Most school productions only let you audition for one piece. If you make the cut, you can only perform for one night,” Lauren Clark, dance major, said. “Not only can you audition for various pieces, you get a chance to display your dance styles at three shows. It gives the dancers a chance to critique their performances and demonstrate their individual creativity.”
Through dedication and hard work each dance becomes a work of art.
“It is a lot of fun. The people here are amazing. We have all worked so hard to get here, so we understand what needs to be done to make this production work,” Christopher Bunyi, said. “Because of this, we have become a close-knit group. It is amazing how a concert can inspire people. We hope that inspiration will show throughout our performances.”