SHANNON URTNOWSKI
A&E assistant
Dance enthusiasts should prepare themselves for three nights of exploding performances from some of the most talents dancers on campus.
Dance in Flight will run from Feb. 8th through the 10th at 8 p.m. at Smother’s Theatre.
It is an event that showcases a variety of dance styles.
“It’s pretty broad,” said sophomore Jesse Calvillo. “There’s a hip-hop dance, there’s a tap number, there’s a modern number and a ballet number, there’s a jazz number, and there’s a couple more cultural pieces.”
With the show starting in less than a week, the dancers have been practicing relentlessly at rehearsals. “The week before [the show] is intense with technical performances,” Calvillo said.
Senior Genevieve Chick said the dancers have been preparing since September for this much anticipated show.
“Since auditions, we’ve been practicing one hour per week every week,” Chick said.
Chick has been dancing with Dance in Flight for the past three years at Pepperdine. “I watched freshman year and was amazed and blown away,” Chick said.
Chick will be dancing in a ballet pointe piece.
The dancers are both nervous and excited about the upcoming show. “Opening night is the best because everybody is wanting you to do so well,” Chick said.
The dancers have learned to thrive off the anxiety, though. “It’s an incredible experience to be putting yourself out there and using the anxiety so that you won’t screw up,” Chick said.
But Chick could not be more thrilled to be taking part in Dance in Flight. “The dancing part makes me feel beautiful, and it keeps me active so I can feel good about myself,” she said.
Dance in Flight has been receiving tremendous response from its audiences as well.
“There’s a chance if it does keep bringing more people, they might move to adding a weekend performance,” Calvillo said.
Every year the show improves, so people should come and see the new talent first hand.
“It will be a good solid performance,” Calvalli said.
Freshman Kristie Finch will be participating in her first Dance in Flight production. “I’m doing Irish dancing,” Finch said.
Finch and partner freshman Daniel Willis will be bringing a new cultural talent to Dance in Flight this year with their Irish jig.
Finch said Director Bill Szobody was ecstatic that two Irish dancers were willing to participate. “Bill Szobody saw that Daniel and I are Irish dancers, and he thought it would be great to have this in the show,” Finch said.
Bill Szobody has been directing Dance in Flight for the past three years. “His productions are incredible, and they come off very professional-looking,” Finch said.
Senior Akil Thompson agreed that Szobody has been an inspirational director throughout the years.
“He demands a lots and gets a lot back,” Thompson said.
The dancers were unanimous that Szobody has been amazing throughout the entire process.
Thompson will be doing a solo piece, a ballet duet, a ballet piece, a modern piece, and has also choreographed some of the dances that will showcase in the Dance in Flight production.
He has participated in Dance in Flight for the past four years as both a dancer and choreographer.
This is his last year as a member of the Dance in Flight team, and Thompson said he will definitely miss the experience.
“It’s been a great opportunity and is definitely the best thing I’ve done on campus,” Thompson said.
Freshman Bobbie Jo Diehl is excited to dance in her first Dance in Flight production.
“I’ve been told that every year it is a great show and so many people come,” Diehl said.
Diehl will be doing a jazz piece, a ballet piece, and a hip-hop piece.
She has been dancing for the past 16 years, but she cannot wait to get on stage with her Pepperdine peers for the first time. “It’s a really big deal,” she said.
Chick is not only excited to perform but also to watch the hard work of her peers unfold on the Smother’s Theatre stage.
“I’m excited to see everyone else perform because each piece is choreographed and danced with the groups individually,” Chick said.
The dancers all agree that half the fun is seeing their peers succeed and blossom on stage as the Dance in Flight shows progress.
The dancers also look forward to dancing together in the show’s finale. “I’m really excited about the finale because it’s a number that will be performed by everyone at the end,” Calvillo said.
It is definitely something the audience can look forward to seeing, he said.
The dancers hope all those who have a passion for dance to try out in the years to come. “If you’re inspired, definitely come and audition,” Chick said.
Dance in Flight pushes the dancers while giving them a weekly release.
General admission tickets to next week’s show can be purchased for $15, and student tickets can be purchased for $10.
The dancers encourage people to see Dance in Flight perform live next week.
“Don’t be afraid to be curious about it; definitely come and see it,” Calvillo said.
