2008 Woodie Awards
Step Up with the Dance Team
Sarah Kate Boltz
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: News
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In this performance, the audience will see that one thing is clear about the dance ensemble: the dancers are not all the same. Each member of the team brings her unique style and background to mix with the rest of the team.
This year's show features 14 student-choreographed dances combining different styles including: jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, pointe, lyrical, ballet and broadway.
Abby Bailey, senior elementary education major, and Morgan Glasscock, junior family studies major, are the two captains this year. Bailey said the two work well together.
"I can recognize her strengths, and she can recognize mine; we work off each other," Bailey said.
They both agree that a captain's role is to make the team, rather than the individuals, look good.
In fact, the real reason Bailey and Glasscock have solos in the show is to provide extra time for backstage costume changes, but they still enjoy a chance to create and perform a piece of their own.
"I love performing and getting to do the show. It's an opportunity to showcase your abilities; we learn the dances, but on those nights we get to perform them," Bailey said.
Over the summer, Bailey and Glasscock planned out the theme "Step Up with the Samford Dance Ensemble."
They wanted the theme to appeal to everyone and decided to use a dance movie.
The 2006 movie "Step Up" seemed perfect because of the parallel theme of different styles of dance melding together in both the movie and the dance ensemble. Even in the last number from the show, a hip-hop and ballet routine, choreographers pulled music and some choreography from the movie.
Students are excited for this year's show.
"I think it's a really great idea, because I love the movie," Katie Pearce, junior nursing major, said.
Most members on the dance team said the team offers the chance to continue doing something they love (dancing) for as much as four more years.
"When you're a part of this, you have to commit lots of time, energy and work; it's clear all these girls have pure passion for dancing, otherwise, they wouldn't be here," Glasscock said.
"The team's hard work makes the show more enjoyable. I can appreciate how hard it is and how hard they work because not everyone is good at ballet or good at hip-hop, but you can tell they've worked to be the best when you see the show," Cally Anderson, junior elementary education major, said.
Students are showing interest and excitement for this year's show.
"Last year, I went to support a friend of mine on the team, so I went both nights and loved it. I was amazed at how diverse and incorporated all kinds of dance. There was something for everyone to enjoy, and I'm definitely going this year," Hope Hamilton, sophomore sociology major, said.
"Well, I'm not a dancer, and it's exciting to go watch the show because I don't have that kind of talent; it amazes me. Each time I've gone, I remember the year before and how good it was and then I see it and it's always beyond my expectations," Cally Anderson said.
The show helped the team's reputation increase over the years.
"Dance team has progressed, gained a name and become established," Bailey said.
"Students are starting to recognize us more. I've had people say to me they would come to the show even if it wasn't for convo credit," Glasscock said.
Shows will be on Thursday and Friday at 7:00 p.m. across the street at Homewood High School. Tickets are priced at five dollars for children and students with IDs and eight dollars for adults and can be purchased through e-mail at sudance@samford.edu or at the show up to 30 minutes before it begins.