Providence, Rhode Island — From frat parties to Wednesday nights at Fish Co., Brown students and dancing are inseparable. Leaving sticky lounges and packed clubs behind, Brown's campus caters to more than just the casual dancer. In fact, for an institution that doesn't offer dance as a concentration, we have a surprisingly large number of talented people who know how to "get down," whether in a club or on a stage.
When it comes to dance classes there are usually eight available in any given year, ranging from Beginning Modern Dance to Dance History: The 20th Century, which focuses on trends in American and European dance styles. Although Brown does not offer a specific dance concentration, it does boast a great program under the Theater, Speech and Dance department.
"Many [Brown] dancers have gone on to join major companies and some have danced on Broadway," said Carole Abizaid '84, an adjunct dance professor. Abizaid, originally from Beirut, Lebanon, returned to teach at Brown when Julie Strandberg ? a Senior Lecturer in the Theater, Dance, and Speech department ? offered her a teaching position. "Julie has done amazing things with the program. When I was here she was the only full-time dance teacher. She is the one who took dance out of the P.E. department and made it into what it is today," Abizaid added.
Vivian Garcia '10 had limited experience with modern dance styles before coming to Brown, but since arriving on campus she has taken both introductory and intermediate level dance classes, one of which was taught by both Strandberg and Abizaid. In her opinion, the classes have actually added to her academic experience by putting her "at peace."
"The classes are very good stress relievers. When you walk into the theater, you just dance and forget everything else," she said. This type of praise has led many to push for a dance major ? currently absent at Brown.
"There is definitely a demand for a dance concentration here," Abizaid said. "There is a whole body of voices that we don't hear and who aren't getting their needs met," she added, referring to those students who would like for Brown to offer dance as a concentration. "But there is definite movement in that direction."
Even though the current dance program under the Theater, Speech and Dance department focuses mostly on modern techniques, one of the most popular dance classes offered currently is West African Dance, taught by Michelle Bach-Coulibaly each spring.
As a double-concentrator in International Relations and French Studies, Camela Logan '07, did not need West African dance to graduate, but took it every year while at Brown. In fact, her only spring not enrolled in the class was spent abroad, studying in France.
Apart from her studies, Logan also a participated in two dance groups last year: What's on Tap? (for which she choreographed) and Mezcla ? Brown's only Latino performing arts troupe, which boasts the largest membership for a dance group with some 80 dancers.
Like Logan, there are many students involved in the various dance groups that Brown has to offer. Sofia Bengoa '08.5 is currently a member of four, and supports the idea of a dance concentration at Brown because "it would mean better performance and practice spaces" for all dancers.
Time commitment for some groups can push six to 11 hours a week, with performance opportunities ranging from twice a month to once a semester. Each prides itself on a certain style of dance, although most incorporate and mix styles for variety. Brown's dance clubs are completely student-run, meaning that everything you see onstage is choreographed by members only.
According to Mezcla's President Marco Martinez '08, Body and Sole - an organization out of the dance program that serves as the umbrella organization for all dance groups - is planning to create a dance council this year consisting of one representative from each of the groups. Doing so would unite dancers at Brown and provide a means of communication and collaboration for future events. Currently, Body and Sole's primary focus for the semester is the Fall Dance Show, which features all the favorite pieces from each dance group and takes place in November. We should all check it out - chances are you'll end up supporting friends who you didn't even realize could dance the night away.
-Post Magazine
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