On the evening of Apr. 10, Dance Workshop will ring in its 40th anniversary with a performance including elements of jazz, theater and even “creepy,” suspense, Board Member Kylee Lynn ‘27 said.
This season, the biannual event consists of approximately 18 dances managed by a team of four board members, choreographed by approximately 37 students and executed by an expected 300 students. Auditions held on Jan. 29 determined this season’s turnout.
Hairdryers, heels, lipstick, jerseys, rolling chairs and glitter are just a few props that have shown up in past performances for what founder Peggy Berg, retired Professor Emerita of Dance, understands to be a “wild” occurrence.
Last semester, “I Love It” drew in nearly 500 audience members across the three show nights, according to Lynn. The audience roared in applause. Even if students missed the performance, they could count on a play-by-play of each smile, outfit and kick in a frenzy of praising commentary on the social media platform YikYak.
While Hip-hop and contemporary dance have taken the front seat in past productions, especially since the mid-2010s, this year’s production leans into the technicalities of jazz and theater. Choreographers have implemented sharp, pencil turns and rhythmic steps defined by jazz and theater.
“We see a lot of hip hop, a lot of sass, a lot of contemporary and then artsy pieces,” said co-choreographer Sara Moreau ‘26. “But not as much hard-hitting, upbeat, clean movements, big movements, big faces, bad energy.”
This season could change that.
“It really is something you don’t want to miss,” Lynn said.