BodyHype was founded in 1991. diSiac didn't have its first show until March of 1999. But Expressions, Princeton University's original dance company, has been around since 1970, and its first major show of the 2003-2004 academic year, "X-factor," debuts tonight in the Frist Theatre — Ashley Boizelle '04 thinks it is the best show they have put together since she became a member of the company.
"I'd say that the choreography is more daring than it's ever been before," Boizelle said.
Some of the numbers include a style that is new to the group called "popping and locking." It means that the dancers isolate every joint in their bodies, and Alanna Phelan '04, one of the company's presidents, cited the moves of popular singer and dancer Usher as an example. Newcomer Heather Martin '07 introduced "popping and locking" to the company this fall.
Alycia Somers '04 has choreographed a modern piece that is unique not only for the bit in which one girl dances on stage without music — the company has never done this before, according to Lucy Milligan '04 — but also because it has no counts. A count is the call used to count the rhythm of foot movements and weight changes, or the call used to count the beats of music, according to the Glossary of Dance Terminology. Instead of responding to counts, said Somers, the dancers in her piece feel each other on stage.
Apart from new and unique styles, Somers said the ballet in the show is very technical, the sexy numbers sexier and the hip-hop more hardcore. Everything, according to Somers, has been upped.
The company has pushed its dancers in preparation for "X-factor," Boizelle said, and they have "responded beautifully." She said in an email that she wanted to challenge the dancers to think beyond "what am I dancing, and how should I execute the steps," and show her "WHY" they dance.
"A range of styles"
Clipped moves such as those of Usher, the steps and motions in Somer's modern piece — it could, perhaps, be called a more interpretive piece — and ballet are all strikingly different. This is one of the strengths of the show, according to Boizelle. She said there is a good balance of meaningful, thought-provoking pieces and entertaining pieces in "X-factor."
The audience can expect to see tap, pointe and jazz in addition to hip-hop, modern dance and ballet. It can expect to hear Dave Matthews Band, Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera, to name a few of the more audibly recognizable artists whose music is included in the show.
A diversity of styles is not just particular to this show, though. It is what sets Expressions apart from other dance companies on campus, according to Phelan.
"I would say our range of styles, I think, is even more extensive that the other companies," she said. "I think everyone brings something different to the company both style-wise and personality-wise."
Expressions' all-female membership also distinguishes it from the other campus companies focused on contemporary dance. It has embraced male dancers, graduate students and professors in the past, though.
Each dancer in the company has a range of styles as impressive as that of the company as a whole, according to Lucy Milligan '04 and co-president of Expressions.
"Everyone has their own style, but everyone is just so talented, they can pick up new things," she said.
Artistic freedom
Expressions encourages its dancers to choreograph and, according to Somers, guides its freshman through the process. Senior members of the group have more artistic freedom, she said, but this liberty can be overwhelming to freshman. Often, the group puts freshman in pairs to choreograph.
"It's a very collaborative process," Phelan said.
Beth Ann Ingrassia '07 has found that she feels more comfortable or, as she put it, more on level with student choreographers.
"I've never really been in a dance choreographed by students before. I think it's really fun," she said.
Show info
To see the members of Expressions Dance Company respond beautifully, catch a show Thursday, December 4th at 8 p.m. or Friday, December 5th at 7 p.m. or 10 p.m. in the Frist Theatre. Tickets, available at the Frist Ticket Office, are $6 for students, $10 for general admission and free with Tiger Tickets. The break dancing group Sympoh will perform a guest piece.
Read More
Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment approves renovations to Tower and Charter Clubs
Sena Chang and Isaac BernsteinOn March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
On March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
Students support local businesses with new platform Zage
Jack AllenAfter hearing about the struggles faced by a number of these restaurants after students left campus in mid-March, Dilbagi created Zage, an online platform that allows community members to send money to local businesses now to redeem as credits on their purchases in the future.
This fall, go beyond the 'Bubble'
Dora ZhaoEven though classes are picking up, weekends are the perfect time for students to escape the Orange Bubble. While going out to eat on Nassau is enjoyable, there is so much to see beyond Princeton. For those looking for a day trip or a chance to explore the area outside of Princeton, here is a list of ideas to do this fall.