Dancing at Yale...a different FOOT trip

In the past couple of years, dance at Yale has moved from the marginal fringes of a forgotten art to a vibrant scene, thanks to the continually expanding and varied groups, as well as the newly established umbrella organization, the Alliance for Dance at Yale (ADAY). The dance groups keep the art thriving by offering tremendous opportunities for students at all levels to try out many different styles of dance. Whether you were born en pointe or have barely mastered the hokey pokey, you can find your dance groove at Yale.

Sidra Bell, SY '01, and Elana Aquino, SM '00, founded ADAY to support Yale's various dance organizations. The group holds an annual symposium with classes, panels, student shows, and a professional performance to promote dance at Yale and throughout New Haven. With their annual "Stand Up And Dance" benefit, featuring many of Yale's dance groups as well as New Haven performing artists, the dancers have bolstered town-gown relations by donating all proceeds to New Haven organizations. ADAY also works to expand dance class offerings and to help groups coordinate resources.

Of the more than six dance groups at Yale, Danceworks requires the least amount of previous experience. This co-ed ensemble dance forum welcomes dancers of all types. No auditions are necessary; your willingness to try out the dance will suffice. Entirely 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 hold 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. Dancers rehearse one hour each week per dance and spend an additional three hours at two weekly classes. They also get the opportunity to attend regular master classes that the group sponsors. YaleDancers holds well-attended shows twice a year and also visits New Haven schools to perform at assemblies and hold dance lessons, spreading the joy of dance while interacting with the New Haven community.

A Different Drum incorporates just about every dance style known into its eclectic performances. Its members are well trained in an assortment of styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and traditional dances. The auditions, held at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, examine ability in ballet, jazz, and modern dance. The prospective members are also allowed to perform a prepared or improvisational dance of their own. Like YaleDancers, A Different Drum holds two popular shows each year.

The name TAPS rightly belongs to Yale's all-tap-dancing group, which offers one show a year featuring high- quality and offbeat tapping. In this past year's show, they tapped into everything from swing to seduction, with an impassioned rendition of "Fever." Like all student dance groups, TAPS shows are almost entirely student-choreographed, although tap professionals and dance advisors have sometimes supplemented the students' know-how.

Yale also has a Ballroom Dance Club which provides weekly classes for the Yale community and sends members to competitions across the region. If you've always wanted to tango or waltz, consider joining. Many members begin their training at Yale, and go on to win medals in national competitions. Members of the Ballroom Dance team also perform several on-campus shows throughout the school year.

As a member of Steppin' Out, you can peel off the ballgown and gloves and make your own body a percussion instrument, creating both the dance and music. Not only does the group hold an annual show, it also performs at many multicultural events. Auditions are held at the beginning of the fall semester. Everybody is encouraged to try out for the group, even if they have no previous stepping experience.

Ballet Folklorico de Yale focuses on promoting Mexican culture and dance. They encourage interested students and local residents to attend regular practices, which are normally held twice a week and run for two to three hours. After learning such dances as Aztec dancing, the group performs several times over the course of the year at Yale and throughout Connecticut.

The dream of becoming a dancer should not fade when you reach the age of 18, just because dance is no longer about tutus and nutcrackers. At Yale, dance sheds all of its frills and opens up to everyone, so that those who have been dancing since age three can try new styles and improve their technique, and those who have been stuck in limbo can also discover that they can thrive, reaching beyond what they ever thought possible.

Sarah McDonough contibuted to this article.

Photo by Julia Tiernan.

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