Do a little dance, make a little noise

You'll find music, art, and theater departments in the Blue Book, but nothing under "dance." Yale has no official dance department—yet. Not to worry, though. Yale's dancers have plenty of opportunities beyond the classroom. Whatever your dance background, whether you have been training since you could walk or you only dance at parties, and whatever your style—tap, ballet, modern, hip-hop, ballroom, or improv—you should be able to find your groove among one of Yale's dance groups.

In the past couple of years, dance at Yale has changed from the marginal fringes of a forgotten art to a lively scene that includes a variety of groups which attract those who seek opportunities beyond tutus or black leather pants. Dancers from all groups praise the many opportunities to learn from others and expand their own repertoires. Beyond the realm of "Soul Train" and "Swan Lake," dancers at Yale can find a sense of community and have great freedom to work collaboratively and imaginatively.

Of the five dance groups, Danceworks is the most inclusive. An ensemble dance forum, this coed group welcomes dancers of all types with varying levels of experience, no auditions required. Completely student-run, the group prides itself on its diversity, creativity, and energy. Anyone is welcome to choreograph the performances held each semester, and when choreographers are given free reign, the possibilities are endless.

YaleDancers, known for their professionalism and technical proficiency, appeals to those seeking a more intense group. YaleDancers holds auditions once a year at the beginning of the fall semester, and these auditions are open to anyone, undergrads or grad students. Dancers rehearse one hour each week per dance and spend an additional three hours at two weekly classes. A big perk of being in YaleDancers is the opportunity to attend the regular master classes that the group sponsors. According to Tanya Greenberg, CC '98, the group is "really serious. We're all really dedicated, and it's a really big time commitment." The commitment, however, clearly pays off: YaleDancers holds shows twice a year and also performs at the Branford Golden CAF festival and at Calhoun's Six Feet Under. Through a community service program instituted three years ago, YaleDancers also visits New Haven schools, performing at assemblies and holding dance lessons.

A Different Drum, the newest dance group at Yale, incorporates just about every style its dancers know into its eclectic performances. Its members are well-trained in an assortment of dance styles, including jazz, hip-hop, and Indian. Initially consisting of 16 dancers, A Different Drum is just a year old, but already has its own unique, multicultural style.

Rhythmic Blue offers a more specialized dance environment, focusing on modern, contemporary, and hip-hop. Performan-ces are energetic, lively, and fun, with a repertoire performed to urban contemporary, rock, and hip-hop music. This skilled and frequently fast-paced group performs twice each year, and also travels to different after-school programs throughout New Haven to share their talent with members of the community.

The aptly-named TAPS is Yale's all-tap-dancing group, offering one show a year of high-quality and offbeat tapping. This past year's show, "Got Metal?" featured everything from improvisational tap to live bagpipe music. Like all student dance groups, TAPS's shows are almost entirely student-choreographed.

Yale also has its own Ballroom Dance Club, which provides weekly classes for the Yale community and sends its members to competitions across the region. If you've always wanted to tango or waltz—or just enjoy dressing up and stepping out—consider joining. Many team members begin their training at Yale and are soon winning medals in national competitions. Members of the Ballroom Dance team also perform several on-campus shows throughout the school year.

In response to Yale's burgeoning dance scene, several dancers formed an umbrella group called ADAY (Alliance for Dance at Yale) this spring. The group has already planned a conference in September which will include master classes, panels, student shows, and a professional performance. ADAY will work to expand dance classes and study at Yale and to help groups coordinate resources.

Perhaps the greatest strength of dance at Yale is its pervasiveness. For those interested in just having fun, opportunities abound to stretch , glide, and step. The gym offers classes in ballet, modern, jazz, and African dance at varying levels; some are taught by professional dancers and some by more advanced undergraduates. Ballroom dance classes are the most popular; these include standard ballroom (fox trot, rumba, waltz, swing) and also classes with a Latin focus.

The theater studies department also offers a movement class for its majors. In the past two years, college seminar committees have woken up to the dance explosion and offered more seminars in modern dance, choreography, and movement theory. Students not afraid to wander off campus will find a wealth of dance opportunities in New Haven as well. Signs are frequently posted advertising English, Scottish Country, or Contra dancing, often within walking distance of campus. In addition, Gecko and Toad's Place satisfy anyone seeking more of a club scene in which to practice moves. With consistently packed dance floors, the hip-hop flavored atmosphere of these two New Haven nightclubs keeps people grooving till all hours. At a school renowned for its drama and a cappella groups, dancers, too, will find outlets for their talent and enthusiasm.

Siobhan Peiffer contributed to this article. Photos by Julia Tiernan.

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