Maddi O’Neill

Staff Writer

Just before a practice for this year’s Fall Dance Concert, dancers, choreographers and stage crew hurried around in a bustle of motion, making last-minute comments and adjustments.  After a few minutes, the run-through began, with dancers whirling and the occasional “count out loud!” coming from the choreographer.

The pieces, which are all in the style of modern dance, were choreographed entirely by students. Though Professor of  Theater and Dance Kim Tritt directs the concert, her role is limited to overseeing run-throughs and offering occasional advice. Otherwise, the Fall Dance Concert is entirely student-run, meaning that students direct all the choreography, lighting and performing.

Stage Manager Audrey Platt ’15 said that “Fall Dance is an opportunity for people new to choreography, stage managing, and everything else.” While there are auditions for choreographers and dancers, Platt said that Fall Dance is a “welcoming environment,” particularly for first-years who will be debuting.

First-time performer Emily Baird ’16 felt welcomed by the Fall Dance Concert community.  “This is the first time I’ve ever danced,” she said, “but it’s easy to find your place.”

The mix of new talent and old hands has brought a lot to the table: “this year is really diverse,” said choreographer Annie Woller ’13, referring to the props, music and styles of dance that will be exhibited.  One dance will include a trampoline, while another will utilize rhythms set by the dancers instead of recorded music.

“The show will keep the audience on their toes,” said Platt.  “My favorite part is that the audience is on stage.”  Indeed, seats will be  placed on stage, allowing the dancers to interact more closely with the crowd.

Platt hopes that the audience will gain something from the performance. “It’s more than just pretty dance,” she said. “It’s something to think about and to feel.”  Assistant Stage Manager Kate Donnelly ‘13 added simply, “dancing is art.”

The 2012 Fall Dance Concert will take place at 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 15-17.  Tickets are free and can be reserved at the Freedlander Box Office.