Community Gathers for Annual Spectacle

Dancers choreograph, practice and performNicolas SonnenburgTHE SANTA CLARAFebruary 13, 2014[dropcap] T[/dropcap]his year’s annual arts production “Images” took the audience for a ride through the use of lights, music and different styles of movement.The event, which opened this past Thursday night and continued through the weekend, ran for four shows and drew sizeable audiences.The two-hour production, directed by Pauline Locsin-Kanter, lecturer of jazz and tap in the Department of Theatre and Dance, consisted of eight dances, ranging in styles including modern, jazz and ballet.The eight segments, four of which were choreographed and lit by Santa Clara students, were inspired by a number of different themes and issues.“Seeds,” choreographed by Fine Arts Professor Abigail Hosein, explored the world of human trafficking. “Dear Sister,” choreographed by student dancer Ellen Thompson, depicted the suffering caused by addiction.Despite the solemnity of these two segments, the show was not devoid of warmth and happiness. The finale, “What Would Your Mom Say,” choreographed by Locsin-Kanter, was a visual story fondly depicting familial relationships set to upbeat hip-hop music.Audience reaction was quite positive as many of the numbers elicited wild bursts of applause and cheering.“One of my favorite parts for me as a performer was at the audience’s ‘whoo’ at the (start of the finale),” said Stefanie Crounse, a dancer in the program. “It was a truly indescribable feeling. I felt like all the hours of hard work were worth it.”Auditions to be a dancer in “Images” were held in the beginning of October.Rehearsals began a week later and continued throughout fall quarter and into the beginning of winter quarter.Dancers practiced four to five hours every week for each dance they were a part of.Although exhaustive, this rehearsal schedule was just as important to the dancers as the final show.“You develop this amazing bond with your fellow dancers,” said Crounse.  “You grow exponentially in your technical dance ability, and learn a great deal about time management, responsibility, organization and loyalty.”Sophomore Sydney Yarbrough, who attended the show on opening night, was moved by the performance.“I thought the show was extremely well choreographed and executed beautifully by the dancers,” said Yarbrough. “The piece ‘Dear Sister’ really spoke to me. It evoked emotion beyond belief. ”Student involvement reached far beyond the stage. According to the dancers, the tech crew helped with quick costume changes, sound and light projection and overall stage management.The production crew made all of the costumes. Furthermore, the light design for dances choreographed by students was done entirely by students.“I think it went really well,” said Caitlin Burns, a dancer in the show. “I feel good about what we accomplished.” Contact Nicolas Sonnenburg at nsonnenburg@scu.edu .