Lawrence University’s Day of Dance

On Jan. 11, Lawrence University hosted its first Day of Dance. Although I am not a dance student nor even a dancer, I was able to attend the events that were offered — as was any interested Lawrence student.

I was able to sit in on the Lawrence University dance team’s open practice in the Esch Hurvis Room in Warch. When I walked in, there were seven Lawrence students practicing moves to Beyonce’s “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM.” They broke the song up section by section, first teaching the moves without music and running through it several times before adding the music and continuing to practice with it. Once they’d gotten a section, they’d move on to the next.

The whole room had a really great and fun energy as they practiced, and I’ll admit that I regret not actually joining in, but my own nervousness and lack of appropriate attire for such actions got in my way.

Once the team had practiced the entirety of their routine, they put on a “mini performance.” The students paired up with each other and performed the dance while the others cheered them on. I was struck by just how supportive the atmosphere was, regardless of an individual’s skill level. Each dance was a complete success, regardless of any technical errors that might have been made throughout. They had had fun.

Afterwards, I talked with one of the dance team members, Deirdre Spaulding, a senior who has been on the dance team since her first year. I asked if the practice had also been for any upcoming events, and she explained that it had actually been from their showcase last year.

The showcase had been a partner dance in which a dance team member invited a nonmember, or just a friend, and they learned a dance together. This particular dance had been choreographed by Braden Richardson, also a senior this year. In total, they had four different dances with different genres: country, hip-hop, salsa and pop.

I asked Spaulding if she knew if the other groups practicing that day were practicing for anything in particular since, unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to make their practices. Afrofusions also had an open practice that day and while she wasn’t sure if the choreography for that practice would be related, she did let me know that they were in the midst of practicing for their upcoming Cultural Expressions performance next month.

Lawrence Swing Dance (LSD) also had a practice that day that would be immediately followed by a social dance event. Even though I wasn’t able to attend that day, I have been to these events before and highly recommend attending their practices and socials. They’re always a lot of fun.

Before leaving, I told Spaulding that I had always wanted to try out dance but had never gotten into it when I was young. By the time I was an adult, I was far too nervous I’d appear like a fool in a dance class surrounded by people who had experience that I never attempted.

Spaulding explained that Lawrence is a really great place to get into dance, even if you’ve never been involved before. The classes, run by visiting Assistant Professors of Dance Mauriah Kraker and Margaret Paek, don’t require any previous experience in dance and are open to anybody who has the room in their schedule and an interest in the activity.

“[Dancing] is a good way to move your body without going to the gym,” Spaulding said, explaining part of the reason why she herself loves dance. I have to agree that, judging by everything I saw that day, it was not only a good way to get in touch with your body but also just a great way to have fun and enjoy yourself.

Be on the lookout for future dance events, as you’re not likely to find events with more good energy than the ones that these incredible groups and clubs put on!