DanceWorks is an informal MDA student-run dance concert that is put on once every semester. The show is comprised of student choreographers and dancers who want to collaborate with each other to present in an informal, experimental setting. Unlike dance concerts, no previous coursework or experience is required to participate. It is an awesome environment to try out new ideas to share with peers and faculty as a culmination of each semester.
What is DanceWorks?
DanceWorks is a student-run informal concert that is sponsored and supported by the
Muhlenberg Dance Association. It features works from emerging choreographers of all class years. This concert was created after the requirements for choreographing for Mainstage concerts & Dance Gallery changed in Fall 2015. DanceWorks allows students, who are not yet eligible to choreograph, for above mentioned concerts, the opportunity to practice choreographing in an informal setting, collaborate with dancers of all class years, and to explore their artistic and creative abilities as artists. It also provides dancers who may not have been cast in a Mainstage production the opportunity to experience the choreographic process and refine their performance
skills.
Who can participate?
All MDA members are able to participate in DanceWorks.
How do students sign up?
A signup sheet is sent out at the first MDA meeting of the semester or after cast lists for the Mainstage productions & Dance Gallery have been sent out. Students are given a specific date to fill out the sign-up sheet by. Once that date has passed, students can no longer sign up to participate.
How does casting work?
Everyone that signs up as ‘dancer’ is cast in at least one piece. At the casting meeting, a complete list of choreographers and dancers will be referenced. Based on seniority, meaning upperclassmen are given priority to choose first, we work through a pick and choose type of process; one choreographer will choose one dancer and then next
choreographer chooses one dancer, and so on. This process continues until all cast positions have been filled for each choreographer.
Where does it happen?
DanceWorks is held in the Dance Studio Theater.
How is the show set up?
DanceWorks is considered to be an informal concert, so the setup for the show is very
simple! In the DST, the piano, barres, and any other larger items are moved to the small area between the bathroom and the hallway that leads to the backstage of Baker & Scene Shop. The black curtain is closed to cover the mirror. The stereo system is the source for sound and it is moved from the front of the room to the smaller back door leading to the hallway. The source for lighting is the panel of light switches located by that same back door.
order to assure that there are chairs available for the show. Once in contact with Damon, be sure
to know exactly where to pick up the chairs and where to return them properly.
Tech for DanceWorks: Tech has always been held an hour or so before the show to give the choreographers some time to space and run through in the space.
