By Carly Catalano
Staff Writer
Dancing is a part of Marywood University that many people haven’t been exposed to yet. Marywood has a dance minor that is on its way up in the communications department. This is the perfect minor for those who can balance their education and love of dance. In the past few years, the dance minor has expanded their program. The dance minor has made a club for anyone on campus who love dance, even if you are not part of the minor program. Whether you love dancing, watching dance, taking pictures, or just want to be involved, Marywood University Dance Ensemble is what you are looking for.
In the past year, the dance ensemble has started reaching out and working with their talents and others around campus. During the fall semester, the dance ensemble was involved in International Day. A few dancers were able to dance and show the skills they have learned in the classroom as well as teaching others. The dance ensemble put on a workshop in the fall for all interested tap dancers on and off campus. This workshop brought guest tap teacher Tracy Cunningham Latini. Latini has a background as a member of the House of the Roses dance company in NYC, under the direction of Jeff Shade. She has performed at “Project Dance” in Times Square, the faculty shows at Steps on Broadway, St. Joseph’s College in Long Island, and various events throughout NYC. Within the House of the Roses, she also taught and assisted weekly outreach dance classes for children struggling with hunger and homelessness in NYC. This high energy tap class got everyone’s feet moving to the beat.
This semester the Dance Ensemble has organized a Dance Festival open to all interested students on and off campus. This Festival is taking place on April 19, 2008 with a Modern/Lyrical dance class and Jazz/Hip-hop dance class. Registration takes place at 9 a.m. for intermediate classes and runs until12:15 p.m. For those advanced dancers, registrations will be at noon and the classes will run until 3:15 p.m. If you are interested in this Dance Festival please contact Becky Moyer at 215-272-1125 for more information.
At the end of each semester, the Dance Ensemble has a showcase of the progress they have made. This showcase also includes dances that some of the students have choreographed themselves. This is open for everybody to come and see. The Dance Ensemble is planning to get involved in liturgical dance with a few others on campus during February 13, at 7:00 p.m. at the IHM Center for a prayer service. Whether you enjoy watching dance, or want to come to the service, this is the perfect thing for anyone.