Charlotte Kerrigan ‘29
Staff Writer
Friday, Oct. 2, is the Holy Cross Dance Ensemble fall showcase. The dance ensemble is a student-run and choreographed program that runs throughout the entire year. The dance ensemble is an extremely welcoming community and is open to students of all class years with various amounts of experience. These student-choreographed pieces allow Holy Cross students to share their creativity outside of class and connect with other students who share their passion. The fall showcase is the first performance of the school year highlighting student-produced dances. The performance is at Luth Concert Hall at the Prior Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. The dance production consists of various styles such as musical theatre, tap, contemporary, jazz, Irish step, lyrical, modern, ballet, hip-hop, and a performance from the Holy Cross Dance Team.
Dance ensemble means a lot to the student performers, allowing them to learn to express themselves through dance as well as be a part of a larger community. While the weekly practices are within the styles the students perform, the dance ensemble program allows students to connect with everyone within the program. For junior and modern choreographer Ava Bucci, she believes “so many talented dancers go to college for academics, and being able to have this creative outlet for people to share their love for dance has been incredible”. This love for dance bonds students together and is displayed through the dance showcase that is performed every semester. This bond is especially highlighted through the finale in which students from all grades and styles come together and perform a closing number. Each grade is featured within the dance and closes with everyone performing all together.
Having student-led choreography also allows students to not only pursue their passion, but grow as dancers. While many students have learned dances their whole lives, not many have had the leadership opportunity to choreograph their own pieces. Creating their own choreography pushes students to express themselves at another level. Student choreographers are also in the dances they choreograph, allowing them to be a part of their creation. Ava Bucci describes this as being “an extremely valuable experience”.
While a part of the dance ensemble, the Irish step and dance team are special programs that have separate practices and performances they take part in. The dance team, also known as the Crusadettes, performs at all Holy Cross home football and basketball games. They cheer on the team throughout the game as well as performing routines during timeouts. The dance team has an open performance for the dance ensemble showcase. The Irish Step team is also featured in the performance. The team is also student-run and participates in certain school pop-ups. Like before the Patriot League Women’s Basketball Championship, the Irish Step team performed outside the Luth as fans entered the game. They also compete in the annual Intercollegiate Dance Festival.
Holy Cross Dance Ensemble is a great program for students to express their creativity and become a part of the dance community. Coming to the dance showcases also helps fund the program, so the dance ensemble can have more performances in the future, such as the February and spring showcases.
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