Pirouettes high kicks and perhaps even “crip walking” are all sights to be seen tonight at Dance in Flight Pepperdine’s student-run dance production. This year will mark the 16th anniversary of its beginnings in the Helen E. Lindhurst Theatre where a small group of 10 students created and performed the first production. This year 67 student dancers will take the stage performing 16 dance numbers to express their creativity through the art of dance.
Director of Dance in Flight and Professor of Dance Bill Szobody said to expect the unexpected this year.
“I’m very excited because this year will be very different than last year. But that also presents a lot of challenges Szobody said. We are doing a collaboration of the arts. I won’t go into further detail because I want it to be a surprise for the audience.”
14 student choreographers and three guest choreographers contribute to the production this year. Even with some changes made from performances in years past the show still remains a student-run endeavor as it seeks to express creativity in balletic hip hop modern tap and jazz dance styles.
Working closely with Szobody is Dance in Flight Student Director junior Alexandra Nicandros who is responsible for communicating with the company and the choreographers while helping to introduce and refine ideas with cast members.
Since all four shows were sold out last year Szobody decided to add another showing to make sure everyone who wants to can witness the dancing spectacle.
Freshman Nicole Hertenstein said she is excited about how the show is coming together.
“It looks like it is going to be an amazing show Hertenstein said. I’m part of a contemporary lyrical piece to Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ which I love because it’s so dramatic.”
Performances begin tonight at 8 p.m. and will continue with a matinee on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for students faculty and staff. To order tickets contact the Smothers Theatre Box Office at (310) 506-4522.