By Danielle Koch
The spring dance show, which was tentatively scheduled for April 26, has been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. Typically, the dance show is a production put on by the performing arts department featuring the talents of students and choreography by dance professor Vincent Brosseau.
Dr. J. Kline, chair of the performing arts department, described the process in more detail. “In short, the dancers (students) the director casts work under [Brosseau’s] vision to create the literal dance pieces. The production design faculty create the mise en scène, the director chooses the auditory material, and film students provide the video images as a result of the journey of this conversation-through-rehearsal.”
According to Bruce Chong, the dean of communications, the show had to be cancelled because Films in Forsyth was already scheduled for that weekend. Savannah city regulations require that public events end by a certain time, which would not allow enough time for both events.
Jake DuPree, a second-year performing arts student, said he was very disappointed that the dance show had to be cancelled.
“I know a lot of students, including myself, were let down because it was going to be an opportunity to perform and learn challenging choreography from a great choreographer and director. Last quarter’s ‘Broken Window’ was a blast to be a part of, and I know all of the dancers were ecstatic about the prospect of working together again,” said DuPree
David Sterritt, a fourth-year performing arts student, was also disappointed, as the show was his last opportunity to perform in a SCAD production before graduation.
“The cancellation mainly affected me because I won’t really get to dance next quarter. If you aren’t taking a dance class, there isn’t really an outlet to dance in a choreographed manner without the spring show,” said Sterritt. Currently, Sterritt is taking two dance classes, Introduction to Ballet and Intermediate Modern Dance, but did not register for any next quarter.
In addition to the announcement that the dance show would not take place, word also began to circulate among dance students that dance will not become a major next fall as previously announced. However, Chong said that it is still a possibility, and that if it doesn’t happen next fall, it probably will the following year.
“No decision is final until the academic process is complete. All proposed academic programs must go through a rigorous review process that includes the college’s curriculum councils and academic administration. New programs are typically suggested for a fall quarter start. If the academic department is unable to fulfill all its requirements in time for the program to be listed within the college’s annual catalog to new students, typically it will be delayed to the following fall quarter,” said Chong.
DuPree said that if dance were to become a major while he is still at SCAD, he would definitely double major in performing arts and dance.
“I think there are a lot of quality dance classes now. I have taken Introduction to Modern Dance and I am currently in Intermediate Modern Dance. They both are difficult but fun at the same time. Vincent [Brosseau] really spends the time with all of the students to teach the technique and fluidity of modern dance. There are various classes offered in ballet and modern, but I think it would be nice to see SCAD offer classes in tap, hip hop and ballroom,” said DuPree.
Sterritt also said he was very satisfied with the current instruction that is offered but would like to see more, if only for the love of the art
“I really like the instruction. Vincent is a great teacher and he knows a lot. He pushes you and he expects the most an individual can give each class. Although it’s a minor, students should support the dance program so it can continue to grow and flourish. Dance is the art of movement and it’s important, especially to an art school,” said Sterritt.
Photo credit: Sara Keith
