Holly Engel

Staff Writer

The autumn light is beginning to dwindle, and scarlet leaves twirl down to the pavement in a dance of their own, so there couldn’t be a better time for the Wooster Dance Company’s Fall Dance Concert. Opening on Thursday, Nov. 15 in Freedlander-In-The-Round and directed by Professor of Dance Kim Tritt, the concert will include several student-choreographed numbers, which have been rehearsed since the beginning of the semester, as well as student-designed lighting.

Tritt is very proud of everyone involved for the many hours of hard work they have put into the concert. “The vision of their dances come to life, and working with them is one of my favorite things to do!” she said. “As a group we have sharings every Monday to watch each other’s dance pieces and provide valuable constructive feedback. As well, I meet with each choreographer once a week so that I can provide more specific help as they are in the process of making their dances.”

According to Claire Smrekar ’19, one of the company’s three co-coordinators, there are eight student choreographers in total, five of whom will be choreographing for the first time. “Fall concert is unique in that it is performed in the round, so choreographers must expect their dance to be viewed from all sides while choreographing,” she commented. Though the concert in its entirety has no overarching theme, Smrekar stated that each choreographer approached their dance with something in mind. “The pieces in this year’s concert are very diverse in movement and energy … the concepts are all exceptionally varied and interesting.” Smrekar is also a choreographer and a dancer in the concert.

Co-coordinator Rachael Lau ’19, who is a choreographer, dancer and lighting designer for her own piece as well, is excited for the production’s opening. “I really enjoy the collaborative process of putting the production together,” she said. “The evening performance is only made possible because of the creativity and dedication of all the participants.”

Dance contains a beauty all its own, and Smrekar makes it clear that much of the fall concert’s beauty comes from the way the dances themselves have been created mainly by students. “People should attend Fall Dance Concert because it is a unique opportunity to see a show that is entirely student produced,” she said. “I am always thoroughly impressed by the talent and ability of my peers when I watch the show, and I hope that our audiences feel similarly. If anything, it’s an awesome opportunity to see something really cool produced by your friends.”

Others involved in the concert include Estelle Dowling ’21, Reyka VanSickle ’21, Crystal Sermon ’20, Madigan Strange ’19, Nicole Heusner-Wilkinson ’19 and Teagan Robinson ’19. Costumes are designed by Becky Callan, sound design by Chuck Findley and lighting design was aided by Technical Director Mike Schafer.

The concert will be running from Thursday, Nov. 15 to Saturday, Nov. 17. Each performance is at 7:30 p.m. at Freedlander-In-The-Round. All tickets are free but must be reserved at the box office. Seating is limited and sells out quickly, so get your tickets soon.

(Photo courtesy Claire Smrekar)