With song styles ranging from movie tunes to Hindi, Tufts Dance Collective's (TDC) re-vamped spring show will certainly appeal to a large audience.
This Friday, over 250 dancers will bring you "TDC 101." Dancers will have their first performance in Cohen Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. followed by a final show at 9:30 p.m.
With a brand new format, TDC will present its new and improved self. The show will start with a video featuring various choreographers discussing the "vision" behind their respective dances. Senior director Sean Bjerke likens the video to a "Best in Show" kind of mockumentary.
The idea is based on the fact that many dances tend to have a theme behind them, according to Bjerke. The audience will soon learn, however, that this concept of "vision" is dealt with in a tongue-in-cheek manner, reminding viewers that "TDC 101" is a fun college show and not a Lincoln Center production.
TDC has also increased the diversity of the program. Senior director Amanda Selden stressed the different types of dances in "TDC 101," noting that an effort was made this year to incorporate new genres.
Indeed, the variety of dances is the highlight of this show. Featured styles include hip hop, tap, lyrical ballet, Hindi, couples dancing, and theatrical.
With such a wide range of dances, each selection should be memorable in its own right. Bjerke believes that the pieces will "stick in people's heads" long after they leave Cohen.
Also memorable are the songs chosen for this year's dances. The list spans both genres and decades. From the songs heard week after week on frat party dance floors to early '90s R&B hits to songs from your parents' generation, the soundtrack to "TDC 101" is a treat in and of itself, and the combination of nostalgia and freshness is sure to allow for an energetic and dynamic performance throughout the show's extensive program.
Featured songs include "Too Darn Hot" from the 1948 Cole Porter musical "Kiss Me Kate," "Moondance" by singer-songwriter Van Morrison, "Motown Philly" by Boyz 2 Men, "Original Prankster" by The Offspring, and "Hey Ya" by Outkast.
The logistics of including all interested students while working within the confines of the show pose a sizable challenge. According to Bjerke, 32 dances were proposed for only 18 available spots. In lieu of putting on a monstrously long show, TDC leadership decided to choose only a fraction of the proposed dance numbers. When making decisions, the group "tried to recognize commitment within TDC," said Bjerke, as well as trying to give opportunities to both experienced and novice choreographers.
The limited number of people allowed on stage in Cohen for any one dance has also been a limiting factor. The TDC constitution asserts that no more than 26 people may be on stage at one time, which leads to problems when well over 26 people sign up for a dance. Due to TDC's commitment to its policy that it will never make cuts based on skill or previous experience, dances must be whittled down according to other, more arbitrary standards.
Despite these logistical issues TDC has pressed on, and those who are involved have put a great deal of effort into their spring show. Initial problems have given way to eight-counts, kick-ball-changes, and swing dancing.
With literally something for everyone, a semester's worth of practice, and an infectious soundtrack, TDC's spring show is sure to provide entertainment this Friday.
And with so many people participating, you're bound to know someone involved in TDC. So take Outkast's advice and give TDC some sugar, because in actuality the dancers probably are your neighbors.
