Theatre UCF presents Shove! Push!, the sixth annual dance concert, on April 19-22 at the Orlando Repertory Theatre.
The dance concert features nineteen dances showcasing the work of the dance students in the UCF Theatre Department.
Most years, faculty members choreograph some of the pieces, but this year, all of the choreographers are students or recent graduates of the dance program. The choreographers are selected through an application process, where they submit their ideas and needs to theatre faculty members. Considerations include dance style, number of dancers, how well the dance fits into the year's theme, and the choreographer's experience. This year nineteen choreographers applied, all of whom were worthy candidates and will be presenting in the concert.
The dancers are all students, as well. Dancers must audition and may be cast in up to three pieces. Junior Musical Theatre major Damian Barra has performed in all three years he has been at UCF. His freshman year, he danced to his own choreography; last year and this, he is participating as a dancer for other choreographers.
"It's challenging molding your movement to fit someone else's vision. With someone else's choreography you have to try to see inside their mind. It's good to see your own ideas come to life, but it's also rewarding to help someone else and have their vision come to fruition," says Barra.
"I wanted to choreograph this year, but I didn't want to overload myself with courses, classwork and The Pajama Game [Barra was the dance captain for the university's fall musical]. Next year, it will be my senior year and I definitely want to choreograph something."
Barra is very excited to be dancing in Polarized, by Amanda Castro. "It's not just leaps and turns, but about the movement. Amanda is telling a story through movement. This year, her piece is about magnetism--the pushes and pulls between people and relationships."
"There is so much variety, there is every year, but this year there are a lot of music selections and styles--ballet, hip hop, contemporary; something for everyone to enjoy," says Barra.
The student choreographers generally have years of experience with dance and choreography. Many have been dancing since they were small children.
Recent graduate Cindy Heen is the choreographer of a piece entitled 3012. The futuristic dance consists of ten dancers and is a jazz style. She worked with costume designer Dan Jones to fully bring her vision to life by having lights installed in the dancers' costumes.
"Dance is something I eat, sleep, and breathe. Participating in UCF's past three dance concerts has helped me prepare for life after graduation by giving me the tools for the professional world as a dancer, dance instructor, and choreographer," says Heen.
"With the dance concerts I have been given the opportunity to work in a professional environment with highly talented individuals. Every year I have participated in the dance concerts, I have grown tremendously as choreographer and dancer."
Performances begin at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. To purchase tickets or for ticket information call the box office at 407-823-1500. Ticket prices are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for students, with group rates available. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, available through the Theatre UCF box office. UCF offers accommodations to make the theatre more accessible to patrons with disabilities--for assistance, please call the box office in advance.
