Embedded Files
On Saturday, April 17, the Champlain College Dance Team (CCDT) will be hosting a virtual showcase, a new program that has challenged the team to create a performance that adheres to Covid safety guidelines.
Every year the CCDT does a couple of shows: Nations United, Winter Drag Ball, and their showcase at the end of the year. This year due to Covid none of those events occurred, and any performance had to follow Champlain’s guidelines, such as remaining 6 feet apart, resulting in a lack of real togetherness.
But the Coach Jenna Giguere, Champlain Class of 2015, and the two co-captains, Sadie MacKinnon class of ‘21, and Brianna Newman class of ‘21 have created a format so the dance team can still show off their amazing talents and style.
In early December the CCDT posted their dance video called ‘XS’ Concept Video. Their next projects were student choreographed dances; sneak peeks of which are on their Instagram page.
The showcase will include 12 songs, choreographed and danced by the CCDT. Inspiration for the routines represents a diverse spectrum of choreography. Lauren Materia (‘22) is a third-year communication major with a specialization in public relations with a minor in event management. Materia choreographed a contemporary dance to the song ‘Driver's License’ by Olivia Rodrigo. “I loved bringing in the role of student choreographer because it allows me to express myself creatively and see how I can bring a dance to life through movement,” Materia says.
Materia isn’t the only one drawing on various influences to develop performances. “Toxic came about through a mash-up of our 90s theme open house. Given the commotion of our world, we wanted to choose a music video that had a deeper message and could speak to some of the issues we see amplified by COVID-19,” says Newman(‘21) who is a communication major. Newman has been behind lots of the choreographing of the group songs, but also the student choreo song ‘Deeper’ by Ella Eyre, featured in the captain dance with MacKinnon.
Even some of the first years get a chance to step up and show off their choreography skills, such as Maggie Hufnagel, a Law major with a minor in business administration, and Maddie Spire, a social work major with a minor in social justice. Both have been a part of the team since the beginning of the year. Hufnagel is now running social media due to an injury. Hufnagel did a dance to ‘Heroes’ by Zade Wolf, and Spire did a dance to ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ by Queen.
This virtual showcase will be a mix of dances they already know as well as danced currently in development. Tradition dictates that there will be a captains’ dance as well. “This year we’re doing a modern piece to ‘Lovely’ by Billie Eilish (with Khalid). Bri and I wanted to choreograph something in a style we hadn’t done yet this year and it’s been amazing seeing the team apply themselves in this dance.” MacKinnon, a senior majoring in international business.
Covid has made social and athletic clubs and activities difficult at best, but especially those clubs where touch and relationships are at the core. But Champlain’s dancers seem to have persevered despite the obstacles. “Dancing through COVID and 2020/21 has strengthened our passions for self and group expression as well as camaraderie,” Hafnegal says.
Written by Ping Melchior
Page updated
Report abuse