Just Dance!
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of witnessing the splendor that is the Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre’s (VRDT) 29th annual gala at the local Bardavon Theater in downtown Poughkeepsie. Considering that two of my housemates and several friends are dedicated members of the company, I knew that I couldn’t miss out on the performance that, for many seniors, marked the culmination of their formal dance career.
The program included a combination of repertoire choreographed by professors in the Vassar Dance Department, works composed by outside choreographers, and several compelling pieces by our very own Vassar students! Given my limited knowledge of dance technique and terminology, I found that this year’s performance to be quite accessible – “White Shirt Black Tie,” a quirky show opener, and “Caffeinated,” a high-energy piece about coffee, kept the audience wanting more! The mix of ballet and modern dance showcased a variety of talent and emotion.
The company consists of 32 dancers who share a passion for their art while bringing together unique techniques from various companies around the world! Auditions for the company are typically held during the first week in September, and they rehearse weekly. Student choreographers frequently schedule rehearsals throughout the week and weekends, so a hefty time commitment is crucial!
To learn more about the company and the cast, check out http://dance.vassar.edu/vrdt/
