They say it takes two to tango, yes, but it takes 20 to perform The Language of Dance this coming week, Nov. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. in The Grand Theatre of Salt Lake Community College’s South City Campus.
“We have a major concert once a semester that is fully produced for The Grand Theatre,” says Tess Boone, Director of the SLCC Dance Company. “These are really the best dancers.”
This performance will have a variety of dance styles including an Africa piece based from West Africa, a Bollywood piece, jazz, tap dance and contemporary.
The Language of Dance, focuses on the elements of dance. Boone asked the choreographers to focus on the elements that give movement its meaning.
One element of dance Boone incorporated is rhyme and time. The difference of timing will be demonstrated with tap dancing. Shape is explored in the Bollywood piece.
“There is very specific hand movements that mean things, and movements of the body that have cultural meaning as well,” says Boone.
Another way the rhyme is explored is though the African dance number.
“The dancers actually drum in it as well, lots of emphasis on the poly rhymes of African base movement,” says Boone. “Most of them (the dancers) have never drummed in their lives, they are very excited about that.”
The dance company is composed of first- and second-year students. One of the officers of the dance company is Nick Gibas from Hillcrest High. He is a second-year student. He is one of four males in the dance company. He wishes there were more male dancers. He feels the biggest challenge is keeping up with the ladies, who have been dancing most of their lives.
“The girls love the boys because we are able to lift them,” says Gibas. “The dancers are super chill, and we’ve definitely bonded.”
After high school, dance students do not get much of an opportunity to perform. Students are encouraged to audition for local dance companies, like Sambafogo, to expand their skills and repertoire.
“Dance students love to dance, they come from all over, they just love to dance,” says Boone. This is a perfect time to see what SLCC Dance students have been preparing to share.
To purchase tickets to The Language of Dance, call The Grand Theatre box office at 801-957-3322 or visit the-grand.org.
Photos by Guadalupe Sandoval Rodriguez
