Staff Writer- Cora Hess
Before Thanksgiving Break arrives and pulls students away from campus, the Kresge Dance Studio has one more show in store for fall. Shared Space: Body Language is a student choreographed and directed show created by the juniors and seniors of the dance department. This show will take place at varying times from Friday, Nov. 20th to Sunday Nov. 22nd and is located in the Kresge Dance Studio in the Schaefer Fine Arts Center.
The show is directed by two students: Seniors Betsy Anderson and Zoe Wambeke. Not only do these two direct the show, they are also involved in the choreography and are dancers in the show as well.
“My favorite part about directing has been seeing all the different pieces coming together. There’s a lot that goes into putting on a show, and getting the opportunity to experience the behind-the-scenes of all that goes into getting a show on the stage has been incredible,” Anderson shared.
This showcase will consist of seven pieces by seven different choreographers, with more than 20 students participating. There is also a student crew assisting with the behind-the-scenes work.
“We have over 20 dancers participating, as well as an amazing student crew! My favorite part of directing the show has been working with Betsy on all the behind the scenes parts of bringing a show to life! It has been exciting to put the show together, and we are excited to share our work with the audience,” Wambeke said.
Even though this process is student led, and has been for a long time, it is still noticed by the staff in the department. Senior Continuing Professor of the Theatre and Dance Department and Dance Program Co-Director Sarah Hauss has enjoyed watching the show this year come together under the teamwork of Anderson and Wambeke.
“Shared Space has a long history of being an entirely student directed dance concert in the Theatre and Dance department. It’s been very exciting to feel the energy every day in our department this fall: so many rehearsals going on and so many student dancers working together. I’ve been impressed by the organized and thoughtful way that Zoe and Betsy have been planning and leading it this year,” Hauss shared.
Directing a show with many moving parts requires a lot of organization for the directors but it also comes together with the help of other aspects of the show including behind-the-scenes teamwork.
“We have gotten to work with lots of different people across multiple disciplines throughout this process, including dancers, choreographers, lighting designers, costume designers, photographers, musicians, and more! It has been so rewarding to see this show come to life as a result of all of our time and efforts put into it! We are excited to share it with audiences,” Anderson exclaimed.
Both Anderson and Wambeke have been involved with Shared Space every year it has been put on during their time here at Gustavus. Not only have they danced each year, but last year they both got to help choreograph the show.
“I have danced in Shared Space every year it has been put on in my time at Gustavus. I had the opportunity to choreograph last year as well. This makes it even more special to me that I get to direct the show this year, because I want to continue to provide this wonderful experience for our community,” Anderson shared.
The hard work and organization that has gone into putting this show together will not go unnoticed as it soon opens up to audience viewing.
“I am looking forward to sharing all of the hard work our choreographers, cast, and crew have put in with the audience! It is going to be a great show,” Wambeke exclaimed.
Not only is this show student directed and choreographed, it is fully student-run. This means that the designs of the costumes, the lighting, and the advertising are also all completely led by groups of students at Gustavus. Each aspect of this show has been carefully situated to work in tandem together to make the show come to life.
“Next week, we will have costumes, lights, hair & makeup, and eventually audiences! I am so excited to share our hard work with everyone who comes to see our show,” Anderson said.
As the show dates are approaching faster everyday, the Kresge Dance Studio is working hard to put on the best show they can, and they can’t wait to share it with audiences soon. With so many available times to go watch it, make sure you save the dates and make your way to the Schaefer Fine Arts Center on the weekend of Nov. 20th.
“I’ve had the opportunity to visit a few rehearsals and have noted the range and variety of ideas and artistic expression being explored by the student choreographers. From what I can tell, Shared Space promises to deliver a compelling and engaging experience for the audience,” Hauss exclaimed.