Between spontaneous dorm-room raves and organized Club Hotung Friday nights, there's no denying that Tufts students love to dance. But if for some reason your own talents are lacking or finals are hindering your urge to groove, look no further than Cohen Auditorium this Thursday and Friday night for a large dose of invigorating dance therapy brought to you by Tufts' own SoC.
Spirit of Color (SoC), a coed student-run dance group known for their energetic hip-hop-based dance routines, will stage their annual two-hour fall show tonight at 9 p.m. and Friday at 8 p.m.
This year's performance, fittingly entitled "Uproar," promises more high-energy SoC performances coupled with guest entertainers for variety and further exposure. One such guest is a troupe of B-boys, who are sure to thrill audiences with their unique acrobatic hip-hop style and break dancing.
Additionally, SoC itself dabbles in a range of dance styles rather than sticking to its conventional hip-hop roots. "It's a combination of hip-hop and jazz for the most part, but there are some technical-lyrical dances as well as house and popping and locking," said sophomore choreographer and dancer Elyse Weissman.
The dances, though diverse, are united in their urban themes and upbeat song choices. Prepare for a musical feast of Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, and Black Eyed Peas along with more soulful tracks ? la Tom Waits.
Look out also for spellbinding lighting effects and clever costumes to bolster the overall appeal of "Uproar." The neon background lights reinforce the captivating silhouettes, shadows and staging of the various dances, giving each a distinctive feel. In the first act alone, SoC treats the audience to a frenzy of pulsing kaleidoscopic glow sticks, a routine of show stopping break dancing, and a rare, fluid house routine backed by a techno beat.
The polished routines are a product of a semester's worth of practice. Most choreographers held auditions in September, accepting as few as six to twelve members per dance. Included in the show are also open dances, which are not audition-based and tend to be larger in size.
Considering the varying ranges of experience, SoC does not disappoint as far as talent is concerned. Though hip-hop dancing tends to be more relaxed than its technical counterparts, it hardly lacks order. The dances are brilliantly choreographed, providing the audience an interesting, spellbinding aesthetic experience. Practice has proven useful for these dancers - their attention to detail and articulation of their movements keeps them sharp and in step during the routines.
Clearly the dancers are passionate about their work with SoC, as evidenced in the overwhelming participation and dedication to crafting the show as a whole. Added Weissman, "I've been in 17 dances in three semesters, and I keep coming back for more. The time commitment is apparent, but it's definitely worth it - I love SoC."
