Agnes de Mille, a well known choreographer, said that “the truest form of expression is in dance and its music.”
On May 7, the students of Mesa State Dance Society will showcase their talent, hard work and passion in Robinson Theater.
“Naked Soles” is a completely student produced show. It is the last show of the school year and for seniors, their last show at Mesa. This show has been delayed until all other performances are over, leaving the dancers with only a few weeks to rehearse and put the production together.
Everything from choreography to stage crew and lights is in the hands of theater students. The show contains tap, jazz, modern, and contemporary pieces.
Junior and Dance Society Vice President Gabbie Cahill talked about a contemporary piece she has been working on.
“The dance is beautiful and I have been working with eight talented dancers,” she said. “It has a ‘Runaway Bride’ type of theme with a bouquet and lots of partnering.”
Cahill explained that to work on this dance she had to step out of her Jazz and Hip-Hop comfort zone.
“Performing is an adrenaline rush and an emotional release,” Secretary and Treasurer of Dance Society Tiffany Freeman said. “You can feed off of other peoples’ energy.”
Freeman is a senior and expressed that she is sad this will be her last show. She will be performing as well as choreographing. After she graduates, Freeman plans to dance with the group “Beyond Boundaries” here in Grand Junction and aspires to head to Los Angeles in the near future to pursue a career in dance.
The name of the show “Naked Soles” is not only appropriate metaphorically, but also because many of the dancers will literally have bare feet.
“The name has changed a few times, but I like this one,” Cahill said. “The name works because a lot of us prefer dancing without shoes.”
Freeman explained that her entire cast is not wearing shoes. She said that dancing barefoot is not only a stylistic aspect, but helps to really connect with the floor.
“Naked Soles” will feature about 30 MSC dancers who have all worked hard on this show. This is the last opportunity to see the talent Dance Society has to offer until next semester, so don’t miss out.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Robinson Theater. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.