The members of Expressions Dance Company didn't spend their spring breaks sunbathing in some tropical locale.
Instead, they stayed on campus and worked hard to prepare to hit the stage of Richardson Auditorium in their spring showcase this weekend. The all-female group of classically-trained dancers combines ballet, jazz, rock and R&B into a spectacular show that everyone will enjoy.
The show opens with a full-cast number; it is fast-paced and energetic, with yellow and red lighting and costumes, and it sets the tone for the lively 90-minute performance to follow.
The show consists of twelve dance numbers in all. Stylistically, the pieces range from the very traditional ballet en pointe to modern hip-hop. The music varies just as much, ranging from classical to Wyclef Jean.
Founded in 1970, Expressions is proud to be the oldest dance troupe on campus. Most members have spent their entire pre-Princeton lives studying some form of classical dance.
Artistic director Lisa Keels '03 explains that this is what makes Expressions different from other campus dance companies.
"Unlike other dance troupes on campus, Expressions tries to take people with an extensive background in dance," she says. "Everyone has been dancing their entire lives and loves it."
That level of dance experience is vital for the group's success, as every show and rehearsal is completely student run. Rehearsals consist of a general dance warm-up, (usually led by Keels or Ashley Boizelle '04, the music director).
This is probably the most essential part of the rehearsal because, as Expressions president Lucy Milligan '04 explains, "The warm-up helps each dancer keep in shape the way they would if they were training at their old studio."
The reins are then handed over to an Expressions member who has choreographed a dance number for the show. That member takes charge of the troupe and teaches them some new moves for the last half of rehearsal.
Every member of the troupe is encouraged to choreograph a number at some point in her time with the group.
Milligan, who choreographed the finale of the show, believes that, to really be well-rounded, "every dancer should have the experience of doing choreography. In Expressions, everyone is given the chance to choreograph for a show."
Boizelle agrees and believes that giving everyone the opportunity to choreograph yields a better end product.
"By allowing everyone to have a say in our shows, there is more versatility than in other shows that are choreographed by a single person," she says.
Reflecting the contributions of so many choreographers, the performance is a mix of different styles and tastes. Although a single member takes on the challenge of choreographing each individual number, the success of the performance is still a group effort.
That sense of community effort is prominent in the group and Milligan says, "Everyone is so trained, we work well together."
The lifelong training of each dancer is obvious from every pointed toe and each elegantly moved arm. You will not see any bumping and grinding at this show.
Take, for example, this year's musical finale, choreographed by Keels and performed to Janet Jackson's "If I Was Your Girl."
The moves are flirtatious and fun, but for some ballerinas it is hard to let go of classical restraint. "Flirt with yourself in the mirror! Pretend the audience is out there — flirt! Give me some attitude!" Keels shouts at rehearsal to urge her dancers on. The result of such encouragement is moves and sultry glances which are sure to captivate even the balcony in Richard-son.
Over the course of the show, the girls change costumes backstage twelve times, but the gaps are filled by performances from some of the male a cappella groups.
Because of Richardson Auditorium's booking schedule, Expressions will not be seen again in such a large venue for two years. So catch them this time: grab a friend and get some dancing pointers before heading out to the 'Street.'
Just be sure to stretch first.
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