A Review of MCDE’s Showcase “Radiance!”
Dance Ensemble's Ballet group performs "The Waltz of the Flowers.” Photo via Gabriella Nobou '27
Marist College Dance Ensemble presented its spring 2024 “Radiance!” showcase on April 20 and 21. The show featured unique performances from groups representing various styles, including hip-hop, tap dance, jazz, Irish step and more. The show was a spectacle that allowed the group to exhibit their many talents and express themselves in a lively way through dance.
The show opened with a notable performance of “Back on 74,” choreographed by Mya Randall ‘25. The dancers combined the song’s original choreography with some moves that comprise the Internet-popularized version of Jungle’s “Back on 74.”
Their expressive nature added so much to the performance and made for an impressive opening to the show. The introduction was a great precursor to the many collective talents of MCDE, and it excited many audience members for what was to come.
The second act brought even more talent with performances like “Dawns” – choreographed by Paige Andrascik ‘25 and Sean Kennedy ‘25 – from the contemporary dance ensemble. While contemporary dance maintains a more elegant and graceful attitude, this dance included attention-grabbing elements that made it stand out.
It was a moving performance, and the dancers were physically and emotionally invested in their craft. Individual dancers such as Kennedy added to the performance with leaps and straddle jumps that were not only impressive but catching to the eye.
Members of each dance group wore costumes that were fitting for both the dance style being performed, and the music to which the performers were dancing.
Another ensemble that stood out was Irish Step Dance, which performed their number “Ta Si Laidir (She is Strong),” choreographed by Riley Kohler ‘24 and Kathryn Kasarci ‘24. The Irish step dance ensemble got the crowd riled up with their elated facial expressions, enthusiastic cheering and clapping to the beat. Their movements were perfectly timed with the music, and each dancer was perfectly in sync with one another. Their movements and facial expressions were highly animated, and the routine’s high energy and cheerfulness were contagious to the audience.
The MCDE E-Board came on stage between Acts I and II and at the end of the showcase to spotlight dance ensemble members graduating this year. A heartfelt video played, honoring each of the senior members and how far they’ve come. This video was a sentimental send-off for the seniors and exemplified the sense of camaraderie within the club.