Monday, January 23, 2012
Forty University of Kansas students demonstrated their dancing talent as they vied for spots in the University Dance Company Monday night in the Robinson Center.
“It’s about finding the talent here at KU and discovering who is passionate about the art,” said Kelly Casper, a freshman from Rogers, Minn.
Kelly Casper, a student from Rogers, Minn., performs during an audition Monday night in Robinson. Tryouts were held by the University Dance Company.
This semester, four faculty choreographers as well as a guest artist are looking to cast student dancers in their performance ensembles for the University Dance Company, which will perform April 19 and 20 in the Lied Center.
This year’s guest artist is the dance company Black Label Movement, based in Minneapolis, Minn.
“This exposure to professional choreographers gives them an edge when they graduate,” said Professor Michelle Hayes, chair of the department of dance. “In professional dancing, there are so many dancers for so few spots.”
Typically, 35 dancers are cast in at least one production for the Company. Dancers vying for spots put in much practice for the try out.
“I feel extremely nervous when I’m preparing but it’s important to give yourself a pep talk,” said Alexa Rush, a sophomore from Spring, Texas. “Confidence is the key. Judges can definitely see that.”
Rush practices twice a week for a total of eighthours. Although she did not make the Company last semester, she’s hoping her practice has paid off.
“You have no idea what they’re going to throw at you. It’s a very fast paced audition,” Rush said.
Four auditions were being held, encompassing three styles: one ballet, one jazz and two modern. Each tryout lasted 15 to 20 minutes where dancers learned phrase –segment of choreography – on the spot and then performed it for choreographers.
Kenna Sullivan, a junior from Chicago is trying out for the fifth time hoping for her fourth consecutive spot in the Company. Even though she’s a veteran to the process, she still puts a great deal of effort into preparing.
“The faculty’s styles are diverse and adapting to them can be challenging,” Sullivan said.
Time management is also an issue. Most dancers are taking a full load of classes. About half of the cast are majoring in something besides dance.
Sullivan said she enjoys the people in the Company. The faculty and dancers alike develop close friendships. The Company practices twice a week for two hours during each session in the evenings. Even with a full schedule, Sullivan says it’s worth it.
“University Dance Company opens a lot of different doors when you pursue a career in dance,” Sullivan said.
— edited by Jeff Karr
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