Spring Break
The Daily OrangeGet into the groove: DanceWorks marks 20 years of dynamic performances
By Jackie Saunders
Posted: 3/5/06, 11:26 PM EST Section: Pulp
Warm stage light spilled over the dozen detectives as they flashed open their trench coats. Half expecting to hear the phrase, "go-go gadget" and see some sort of contraption shoot out of the dancers' hats or coats, audience members perched on the edge of their seats as the theme to "Inspector Gadget" brought back childhood memories.
Dancers displayed athleticism, grace and attitude during the 20th annual performance of of Syracuse University's DanceWorks last weekend. Dance lovers from every background and style packed Goldstein Auditorium. They were delighted to see everything from ballet and tap to jazz and hip-hop performed.
"I like watching my friends have fun onstage," said Lauren Biagini, a senior television, radio and film major. "It makes me feel like I can actually dance too."
A student-run organization, DanceWorks directors, producers and choreographers work together as a professional company in order to put together the 18 different routines.
Gina Piscopo, a senior producer of DanceWorks and communication sciences and disorders major, acknowledges the annual show is a painstaking process.
"We have been planning this since the summertime," Piscopo said. "Each choreographer auditions their piece and we choose based on what we are given."
The show included dances to Justin Timberlake's "Cry me a River," Guns N' Roses' "November Rain" and Billy Joel's "Goodnight Saigon."
Especially unique was choreographer Carolina Mendez Marti's dance "Baila Baila," which featured dancers in vibrant tropical colors and exuded a distinct Latin flavor.
The dance "Badman" showcased the much beloved "hip bump" of Will Smith and Carlton on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" that SU students have mimicked at sporting events.
Incorporating a fashion show in his piece, Christopher Joanis, a choreographer and senior television, radio and film and policy studies major, took great care in planning out "Be Cool." A two-year process, Joanis tried to stay modern with the music to give the audience something they can relate to.
Dancers displayed athleticism, grace and attitude during the 20th annual performance of of Syracuse University's DanceWorks last weekend. Dance lovers from every background and style packed Goldstein Auditorium. They were delighted to see everything from ballet and tap to jazz and hip-hop performed.
"I like watching my friends have fun onstage," said Lauren Biagini, a senior television, radio and film major. "It makes me feel like I can actually dance too."
A student-run organization, DanceWorks directors, producers and choreographers work together as a professional company in order to put together the 18 different routines.
Gina Piscopo, a senior producer of DanceWorks and communication sciences and disorders major, acknowledges the annual show is a painstaking process.
"We have been planning this since the summertime," Piscopo said. "Each choreographer auditions their piece and we choose based on what we are given."
The show included dances to Justin Timberlake's "Cry me a River," Guns N' Roses' "November Rain" and Billy Joel's "Goodnight Saigon."
Especially unique was choreographer Carolina Mendez Marti's dance "Baila Baila," which featured dancers in vibrant tropical colors and exuded a distinct Latin flavor.
The dance "Badman" showcased the much beloved "hip bump" of Will Smith and Carlton on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" that SU students have mimicked at sporting events.
Incorporating a fashion show in his piece, Christopher Joanis, a choreographer and senior television, radio and film and policy studies major, took great care in planning out "Be Cool." A two-year process, Joanis tried to stay modern with the music to give the audience something they can relate to.
