Chico Dance Theatre’s 12th Annual
Showcase, Nov. 30-Dec. 2

Most college students carefully plan out their class schedules to avoid Fridays. This valuable time off gives them another day to sleep in or coordinate plans for weekend road trips.

Yet every Friday afternoon a group of dedicated students meet for class to study different dance techniques and to rehearse for their upcoming dance production . Their artistic fervor is fueled by anticipation of their annual show that will incorporate tap, Broadway, ballet, modern, and lyrical styles

Chico Dance Theatre will unveil its student-choreographed routines at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 in the Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall.

This year’s influx of new dancers to help replace graduating members should breath new life into the program.

“Each choreographer is teaching something different,” said Jacqueline Carambat, student director of publicity and outreach. “It is always interesting to see how the dances come alive through the dancers’ interpretation of the choreographer’s vision.”

Being a student-run dance group provides Chico Dance Theatre with considerable artistic license. This allows college-age choreographers to explore areas outside of traditional dance technique, while also relying on the basics.

“Choreographing a dance isn’t easy, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to do so,” Carambat said. “ I hope that the audience will appreciate the different pieces and their meanings.”

“Coming Up,” a modern lyrical routine that incorporates spoken word and “On Broadway,” a jazz and tap piece in an audition setting, will definitely intrigue audiences.

For the 12th year, this showcase headed by Dr. Sue Hargrave Pate, will entertain audiences with the unique talents and ideas of Chico Dance Theatre members. Also, changing locations from Harlen Adams Theatre to the more intimate Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall provides new staging possibilities which will be enhanced by lighting designer Mike Johnson, the School of the Arts’ production manager.

Advance tickets, at $15 adults, $13 senior citizens, and $6 students/children, are available at the University Box Office, 898-6333. For disability-related accommodations, please call 898-4325. Add $2 for tickets purchased at the door.

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Hillary Feeney