Monday, March 14, 2016

A Weekend of Dancing: ACDA



A group of 10 students left after classes on March 4th to head to Kalamazoo, Michigan. ACDA, American College Dance Association, holds regional conferences every year where masterclasses are held and students perform innovative choreography. This year Mercyhurst’s Dance Department brought ten students and three pieces to perform. Two of these were performed at the adjudicated concert and another was held at the informal showing. All the students took masterclasses and rehearsed all day leading to an educational and inspirational weekend.
Personally, I looked forward to taking an array of different types of classes, ones that I would not have normally had the opportunity to take. The classes offered ranged from Creole Fusion, Improvisation, Fosse Batman, Contemporary Modern, to Classical Ballet. All these different classes challenged me to broaden my artistic horizons and examine dance in a new light. Although it was only a mere five days, I learned how to incorporate all these different techniques and ideas into my own artistic expression.
The students performed three different pieces over the weekend, two at the adjudicated showcase and one at the informal showing. The pieces performed were Solveig Santillano’s Laura’s Grace, senior, Esmae Gold’s The Oath, and junior, Roni Ply’s Insomniac’s Dream. Being able to participate in showings with such a vast array of dance styles and choreography was such an incredible experience for all the dancers. I know this busy weekend of dancing, performing, and spending time with other wonderful dancers will stay as one of the high lights of my year.
-Sarah Taylor, Freshman


Friday, March 11, 2016

Audition Tips and Tricks

With our last audition approaching, here are some tips for auditioning. 

  • Make sure you are dressed appropriately. If you are taking a ballet class- dress for that ballet class. If you are planning on taking an extra Modern class after your audition- make sure you bring an extra pair of black tights.
  • Remember- you can never go wrong with a black leotard. Even if the company or school does not specify what they want you to wear, a black leo is always a good go-to!
  • If you are not sure of what you should wear take a look online at what dancers are wearing during their classes or even call if you are completely baffled. 
  • Make sure you have pointe shoes that are not too dead and look clean. Make sure your ribbons stay secure throughout your dancing and that you don't have any stray strands hanging off the toes. 
  • Treat every audition as just a class! It's really not that big of a deal. Also, don't be afraid to approach other students that attend the college if you have questions before, after, or during class! Everyone is happy to help.
  • If you want, (or have dietary restrictions) pack your food. This was helpful for me when I went to audition for schools since then I knew what I was eating and I didn't have to eat fast food right before plies.
  • Make sure your head shot clearly represents yourself as you are now. Do not use a picture that looks nothing like you. Head shots are ways the school or company knows who you are after the audition. Glamour shots and airbrush galore are not always realistic.
  • Be confident! Make sure you are confident in your abilities no matter what! If you can't complete 32 fouettes on audition day, don't sweat it! Be confident in your 4 or so and get on with the class with a positive attitude.
Megan Lay