Tufts University dance group Sarabande Dance Ensemble will be giving their main performance of the semester, “Sarabande Presents: Saratonin,” April 13-15. The performance will feature 14 dances, original choreography and impressive skills.
Sarabande, which takes its name from a triple-time Spanish dance, is made up of accomplished dancers who choreograph and perform their own American contemporary dances. Their contemporary style of dance generally includes elements of ballet, jazz and modern dance. Any dancer in Sarabande can choreograph a piece for the whole company to perform, bringing their own styles and personalities to the table. All numbers performed by Sarabande are original creations of its dancers. Sarabande regularly guest performs for other dance events at Tufts, including "Relay for Life" and "Dance Marathon," but has one special major performance of their own every semester.
Because of all the preparation and organization necessary to make Sarabande function, the ensemble also has a student executive board. On the board is co-producer Cecily Lo, a senior who has been with Sarabande since her first year. Lo has been dancing since the age of 12. She has trained in modern ballet and jazz since high school and has danced for the prestigious Joy of Motion’s Youth Dance Ensemble, the Joffrey Ballet School’s Summer Jazz & Contemporary Intensive and the International Summer Dance at Point Park University. Despite her years of experience in formal, pre-professional training, Lo is enjoying the all-student dance experience.
“A strong point [of Sarabande] is our diversity of talent. We’re mostly a contemporary dance group but with different choreographic and technical talents," Lo said. "It allows us to learn from each other, and I’ve diversified my dancing ability through Sarabande."
A unique feature of Sarabande is its opportunity for students to prepare original choreography and then teach it to others. Lo has grown to love choreographing while dancing at Tufts and has choreographed a dance in every semester she has been in Sarabande. Two of her dances will be featured in “Saratonin:” an emotional, contemporary piece called “Karmic Jungle -- What Dreams are Made of” as well as a contemporary jazz piece influenced by Japanese folklore called “Yurei.” The show will feature ten other contemporary pieces, as well as two entirely jazz pieces.
Preparing 14 dance numbers is a tall order for the dancers of Sarabande, as their performances usually only feature nine or 10.
“Even though more people than we have slots for wanted to choreograph, we wanted them to have that chance," Lo explained. "We have an allotted amount of time per week in the studio space in Jackson Hall, so now we have to find different areas to dance in as well. We have to be creative."
In addition to technical complications, getting all the choreography down in such a short time is a challenge. All 19 dancers have been practicing for many hours during the last week, and in the past three days they’ve had over 20 hours of rehearsal.
“With so many pieces, it’s taxing,” Lo said. "And we’re all sore and tired. But the excitement of the upcoming show is what’s getting us through it.”
In addition to the physical demands, much of the choreography in “Saratonin” pushes its dancers mentally and emotionally. Many dances have heavy themes and come from the personal feelings or experiences of the choreographer, meaning it’s up to the dancers to connect with the choreographer in a personal way to convey the dance as it was intended. However, the show also stays true to the pun of its name -- a play on words of the chemical serotonin that regulates happiness in the brain -- with several cheerful, upbeat dances.
The name "Saratonin" has been in the back of the group's mind for some time, Lo explained. She said in the face of so many difficulties Sarabande "wanted an upbeat, fun show title and theme."
According to Lo, Sarabande has only been growing in popularity and talent since its foundation.
“Six or seven years ago we were kind of an unknown group, and maybe a hundred people would come to our performances," Lo said. "Now we consistently sell out and are better known. Our caliber is higher.”
An important factor in this year’s success is the group's leadership, which includes seven seniors, whereas there are usually only three to five. With more experience in the company, younger dancers have more guidance and encouragement.
However, the seniors aren’t the only accomplished dancers of Sarabande. Most dancers are classically trained and the yearly auditions for spots are competitive. Many dancers also take dance classes through the Department of Drama and Dance for academic credit.
“The performing arts scene at Tufts, through extracurricular groups and through the department, is really strong," Lo said. "Right now, this is one of the strongest casts that we’ve had technique-wise and with choreography."
This weekend's performance will be the last time Lo and six other senior dancers perform in Sarabande.
“For many of us, this will probably be the last time we’ll perform on stage, which is really scary," she said. "But at the same time, it’s a final hurrah.”
Lo also expressed gratitude for her time in Sarabande where she was able to dance with other students and choreograph her own pieces. Her contributions to “Saratonin,” particularly “Karmic Jungle -- What Dreams are Made of” are not just dances or even just pieces of art to Lo. They are, in her words, “vehicles for my self-expression.”
“Sarabande Presents: Saratonin” will take place at Cohen Auditorium. Tickets are free and available at the Mayer Campus Center Information Booth.
Sarabande Dance Ensemble aims to boost mood with new show 'Saratonin'
