By Evelyn Lucado
Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
The Washington College Dance Club presented their Spring Showcase: The Elements in Alonzo G. and Virginia Gent Decker Theatre on April 17 and 18 for two nights of spectacular elemental performances.
The showcase featured a range of different pieces, all choreographed by members of the Dance Club. From ballet to bharatnatyam fusion to Irish dance, each choreographer had the chance to show off their unique talents, as well as their own interpretations of this year’s showcase theme.
Dance Club president junior Evie Kaye, who directed the showcase, decided to implement the elemental theme despite previous showcases not having one.
“I decided to expound upon the Showcase’s creative format this year and give the show more continuity by utilizing theme (the elements), I pretty much let each choreographer pick the element of their choice,” Kaye said.
According to previous Elm coverage, Kaye said that she took inspiration for this year’s showcase theme from “George Balanchine’s ‘Jewels,’ a plotless ballet centered around rubies, diamonds, and emeralds.”
“I feel proud to have made a change and [had the] liberty to innovate at WAC,” Kaye said. “Dance shows here at WAC, or at least during my time, never had a theme or overarching storyline of sorts. I feel empowered to have had the chance to utilize creative direction and artistic liberty—I believe adding thematic continuity to the show gave it a greater sense of professionalism.”
For the student choreographers, the Spring Showcase is a chance for both first-time and experienced dancers to try their hand at choreographing.
Senior KT Pagano, who choreographed “Letting You Go” said that she was excited to choreograph for the first time in years. Pagano said that her piece was inspired by inner turmoil following a breakup, which she tied to the elemental theme with the images of crashing waves during a storm on the sea.
For some, this showcase was their first time choreographing for the stage. Junior Ana Arguello, who choreographed the fun and airy piece “Y Danzamos con el Viento” with junior Juliana Santiago Batista, said that this was her first time dancing for an audience.
“Having so many people with a vast creativity from all around was so amazing and fulfilling and inspiring,” Arguello said.
Dance Club treasurer junior Schaley Shaulis, choreographed the powerful solo piece “Mother Earth” for her third year choreographing for the Dance Club Showcase.
“One of my favorite things about choreographing was just really getting into the storytelling and really getting to know the music and trying to figure out how I want my body to tell the story. That’s what makes dance so special to me,” Shaulis said.
The Spring Showcase was the final performance from the WC Theatre and Dance department. However, those still hoping to enjoy the arts at WC can look forward to the Rock Band Concert on April 24 at 7:30 p.m., senior Stevie Lyles’ music SCE short film on April 25 at 7:30 p.m., the Symphonic Band performance on April 26 at 4 p.m., and the Steel Band performance on April 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Photo Caption: Juniors Juliana Santiago Batista, Ana Arguello, and Jessica Kelso perform a dance inspired by the element of air.
Photo by Katie Trego