The Critic Staff has worked with clubs around campus to highlight what each club does to keep the Vermont State University – Lyndon Campus lively for students. Today’s article will cover Dance Ensemble, a group that has existed on our campus for a long time and is open to anyone of any ability!
TC: When and where do you meet?
DE: Dance Ensemble meets on Sundays from 9:00-3:30 in the theater, bole gym, Moore Community Room, and the Racquetball court depending on space availability. The timing is different for everyone depending on how many dances they are involved in, but we always end with a General Board meeting from 3:00-3:30.
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TC: What is the purpose of your club/what do you do at your club meetings?
DE: The purpose of our club is to provide a safe and inclusive learning space for those who wish to explore dance, wish to build on their knowledge, or want a place to perform. We also want to provide students a chance to learn dancing without worrying about the cost of dance teachers, costumes, dance gear, etc. (as dance is always very expensive to learn and be a part of). We provide different styles of group dances that the executive board choreographs and teaches to other dancers throughout the year. This includes Hip Hop, Contemporary, Pom Pom, Burlesque, Tap, Opening, and Closing (the last 2 are the opener and closer of the recital). And for students who wish to explore or push themselves more, they can choreograph their own small groups, trios, duets, and solos! These dances also provide a space for those who love to dance dances we don’t cover in the big group ones, for example, hoop dance or baton.
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TC: What kind of events do you do/what events are you planning for this year?
DE: Dance Ensemble every year puts on a Spring Dance Recital to showcase all the dances we create and learn throughout the year. In the fall, we have events such as our Halloweek event of a Just Dance Tournament and the Vermont State Dance Festival and competition at Lyndon Institute. At the VT State, we bring a dance or two to compete with and get feedback from the panel of judges, and then perform it later at the recital. In our break times we have a chance to attend workshops taught by professional dancers from around New England (This can be anything from breakdancing to ballroom dancing). In the past, we held Dancing with the Presidents in the spring semester where club executive boards could learn and compete in a dance competition judged by faculty and the audience. In the past, we’ve also been invited to Lyndon Instute’s Spring Benefit Recital where we will bring two dances to perform to help raise money for a good cause.
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TC: Who is on your executive board and are any positions vacant?
DE: Our executive board as of now consists of Kaitlyn Little as our President and Dance Coach, Carson Asava as our Vice President and SGA Representative, and Morgan Fellows as our secretary and treasurer. Currently, there are no positions vacant, however, if dancers feel confident enough in the spring they can run for positions for the following school year. If someone is interested in the President position, they must have been a member previously.
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TC: What do you want students to know about your club?
DE: Dance Ensemble aims to be a safe and inclusive space for those who wish to learn or expand on their dance knowledge without the worry of the cost of doing so. We have a lot of chaotic fun during our practice days and view ourselves as a small family.
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TC: What have you contributed to the campus in the past?
DE: In the past other than our main club activities, events, and purpose, we have also hosted dance workshop events where we teach small dance samples that anyone on campus can attend as a stand-alone.