The end of the year is now approaching, and with the conclusion of classes comes the beginning of the spring show season for Tufts' dance groups.
First up is the Tufts Burlesque Troupe, a relatively new dance and theater group performing in its third-ever show at 8:30 p.m. tonight. Burlesque, which originated in dance halls in the early 20th century, is a racy, sexy dance form. But according to junior Jessica Snow, director and co-founder of the Troupe, there's much more to burlesque than meets the eye.
"Being sexy is more than just taking clothes off," she said. "[It's about] being confident and comfortable in your body and using it to do the things you love." For those participating in "Rouge," the Troupe's spring show, being sexy is about using the body through dance.
The Burlesque Troupe is unlike any other dance group on campus in that anyone who auditions for the show is offered a part.
A board decides which dancer gets which part, but dancers and choreographers get a say in which dances they participate in, creating a collaborative, friendly environment rather than an autocratic system of auditioning and casting. Dancers and choreographers are also encouraged to explore unfamiliar forms of dance as well as unusual formations.
"This semester I'm choreographing my first dance with men," Snow said. "That has been an incredible challenge for me because it has taken me out of my comfort zone. That's the kind of exploration we hope all dancers can find with burlesque."
The spring show includes many different types of performances ranging from slow ballet to hip hop to jazz, a staple of burlesque dance. The show also includes rapping and singing performances, including a capella groups and solo artists. Many other student groups will be making an appearance in "Rouge," including the Filipino Cultural Society, Sarabande, Essence, La Salsa and S-Factor. There are also two MCs, comedic hosts that have been a part of the burlesque troupe since the beginning. Snow calls this spring show a "well-rounded performance experience," because of the different groups and the diversity of performances within the Troupe itself.
Junior Mary Von Rueden, who is in charge of the Troupe's public relations, spoke of the most rewarding aspects of working on "Rouge."
"There may be one dancer who struggles with a body roll or a turn," she said. "But after lots of hard work and help from other dancers, it all comes together for the show."
On the other hand, the week before the show is stressful for all involved, especially for Snow. "The board is booked solid every night this week between dry run, dress rehearsal, board meeting and publicity," she said. "This is the week when I feel like I have to truly buckle down on my dancers and get serious with them."
The music ranges from hip hop to soft rock, and sticking with the "Rouge" theme, there are also dances choreographed to songs from the movie "Moulin Rouge" (2001). The range of music is entertaining, and the coherent "Moulin Rouge" theme creates an atmosphere of a French cabaret, lacking only topless can-can dancers. The Troupe dancers are serious about their costumes, sporting corsets, underwear, fishnet pantyhose, midriff-baring vests and the always necessary black stiletto heels.
With so many different groups performing, the show should have a runtime of almost two hours, including intermission. This year's show will be in the Distler Performance Hall of the Granoff Music Center. At $2, "Rouge" is the first burlesque show to charge admission, but for anyone looking for a little sexy time before heading out to the parties (or back to the room for more homework), the Burlesque Troupe's "Rouge" is worth a look.
