Gallery • 10 Photos

Jackson Hardin

On May 11th and 12th, CRLS’ very own Modern Dance Company put on their biannual DANCE/works show.

The incredible diversity of the show was its most defining feature. In addition to what are traditionally considered modern dance pieces, other styles that were showcased included hip hop, Afrocentric hip hop, traditional Chinese dance, and Polynesian dance to name a few.

The dances were choreographed by various people, including guest choreographers who are connected to the school, CRLS dance faculty, and student choreographers.

Senior and MDC co-captain Marney O’Connor described her experience with MDC, saying, “I think this show was particularly special because we had so many guest choreographers and a lot of student work, which is saying something because every MDC show is special.”

Senior Weileen Chen recounted her experience as a choreographer during her time at MDC, saying, “I’ve noticed that each time choreographing led to its own experience. With this semester, I realized that while a choreographer has their own picture in their head, everyone will see it in their own way and have their own depiction of it.” With so many different interpretations of each of the 20 dances, the show was a unique experience for audience members.

Julia Griffin, a junior who was an audience member, commented, “The diversity of the styles of dance in the show was nice to see and all the dancers did great. It was a refreshing change to the traditional modern dance pieces.”

Both Chen and O’Connor reflected on their time at MDC very positively, raving about MDC’s warm community. Chen commented, “I’ve been able to watch MDC grow and reshape itself. I think the one thing that never changes is the fact that in the end, we are one community. MDC is a place where I’ve made my closest friends and had my best memories, and I honestly don’t believe I’d be the same person without it.”

“[MDC] is one of the few places that welcomes people solely based on commitment and desire to dance. My favorite moments are watching younger MDC members smile as they dance; even if the steps aren’t right, they’re having such a great time,” O’Connor added. “That’s what makes it so special and beautiful as a company. It’s not like that anywhere else, and I’m truly going to miss it so much.”

This piece also appears in our May print edition.