With the semester quickly coming to a close, the past few weeks have been filled with displays of several of Tufts' talented performing arts groups. These shows serve both to entertain and provide a well-needed study break before finals begin. This weekend, the Tufts Dance Collective adds its name to the list of on-campus groups showing off their skills and giving students something to look forward to.
TDC's winter show, entitled "Let the Dogs Back In... Please," promises to be unlike any of the group's previous performances while still showcasing a semester's-worth of hard work on the part of the dancers. The show's title is a funny response to Baha Men's popular song "Who Let the Dogs Out?" as well as the title of the show's opening dance.
The themes tying together the various dances seem to be that they are "more risqu?© and daring than the shows that TDC has put on in the past," says sophomore Sarah Brasslett. Brasslett is a dancer in six pieces and choreographer of "Ass-Travaganza," a fun and up-beat dance to Sir Mix-a-Lot's one-hit wonder "Baby Got Back."
TDC differs from other dance troupes on campus in that it was formed in 1989 with a policy that any student could become a member, regardless of experience. Because of this, no tryouts are held, and the result is a group of enthusiastic dancers "who become like a family," says Co-Artistic Director Patrick Girvin, a senior and TDC member for six semesters. Although TDC was established as an experimental modern dance group, it has developed into more of a mainstream popular dance group that includes a variety of different dance styles.
The nineteen dances that comprise the two-hour show include lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, and tap techniques. "The main purpose of TDC is to have fun. It's not about competition," said Brasslett, expressing the consensus among other TDC members. The atmosphere of their shows "is more like a party than a formal performance," said Amanda Miller, TDC's Co-Artistic Director. Because of this, the audience is greatly encouraged to cheer, dance, and even sing along to each piece.
Continuing with TDC's policy of openness, each show is free and will be held in Jackson Gym. However, TDC decided to hold five separate performances this year because of the venue's lack of space - there will only be room for 100 audience members at each show. You are encouraged to show up early, prepared to be entertained by the music of Janet Jackson, Dave Matthews, Dido and Moby, among many others.
For those of you thirsting for more variety, there will also be guest performances at TDC's winter show by the Tufts Ballroom Dance Club and Turbo. "It's definitely going to be a fun night," said Miller. The Tufts Dance Collective Winter Show runs in Jackson Gym this Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
