Marist College Dance Ensemble Showcase: Illuminate!

MCDE e-board at their spring showcase "Illuminate." Credit: Laurie Vlamis

Marist College’s Dance Ensemble held their Spring semester showcase on April 22nd and April 23rd in the McCann Arena. The show featured 23 dances choreographed by dedicated Marist students who exhibited their creative visions and semester-long diligence through their numbers. Over 300 students have taken part in weekly classes for each dance they are a part of, led by the student choreographers. The genre of dances performed ranges from ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz, musical theatre, Irish step, and hiphop. The dancers were ecstatic to be able to come together and showcase their talents!

The Showcase this semester was entitled “Illuminate,” and President of Marist College Dance Ensemble Julia Romero sheds light upon the meaning of the chosen title. It is called “Illuminate” because “we are lighting up the stage with the creativity of our choreographers and the passion from the whole club,” Romero expresses. The title also means “to make things visible” as they illuminate the talents and diversity of MCDE through these performances. Each of the dances portrays a different style and level of difficulty ranging from beginner to advanced. They pride themselves on being the largest student-run club at Marist with their 300+ community of passionate dancers. “We are shedding light upon everyone’s abilities, ideas, and backgrounds into the friendships we have made and the way we dance.”

This show differs from previous shows in various ways. The Executive Board of MCDE was very excited about the special guest appearance at the Saturday show by none other than President Kevin Weinman showing his support for Dance Ensemble. In addition, this semester the seniors were able to come together and give tribute to their four years at Marist with a senior dance, which does not happen every year.

MCDE performs at spring showcase to "Telephone" by Lady Gaga, credit: Laurie Vlamis

When asking Romero about what excited her most about being President of Marist College Dance Ensemble, she enthusiastically acknowledged her time in the role as a thrilling and rewarding experience. As it came closer to show time, Romero shares that it was exciting to be able to see the show come together smoothly, the other classes dances, and other club members for she mostly participates in the contemporary and jazz classes. “Seeing everyone smiling together and watching the show fall into place by the last night of our ‘hell week’ is truly amazing to see,” Romero adds.

The future of MCDE is very bright. Since the founding of the club 31 years ago by Marist Alum Jen DeFelice, much has evolved and improved. “The world of dance has changed over time,” Romero notes, “and with the more people with different dance and diverse backgrounds, the future is bright!”

The mission of MCDE is to portray inclusivity to all who have an interest in the art of dance. The club’s diversity in dance experience fuses together with the dedication of each dancer in the MCDE family to produce showcases each semester. “These dancers are involved in a plethora of other activities and organizations including Greek life, athletics, and being leaders of members in other clubs. While still maintaining these other commitments, let alone classes, internships, and jobs, our dancers still find the time to unite in our passion for dance.