The American Spirit Dance Company Spring Show, Hot Shoe Shuffle, is a two-act Broadway revue.
The show includes 24 dances, featuring tap, jazz and music theater dance styles.
“Tap lovers rejoice because there are a ton of amazing tap numbers in this fast-paced show,” said Grace Kidder, dance performance sophomore. “We also have upbeat musical theater pieces, soulful lyrical dances and fierce jazz numbers, so there’s something for everyone.”
There are four performances:
– 7 p.m. March 10,
– 8 p.m. March 11 and
– 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. March 12.
The show is in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $21, with reserved seating.
There are two casting arrangements of the company, so different students will perform the same numbers on separate nights.
“We have people double cast so they learn to share,” said Jo Rowan, chairman of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance & Entertainment and director and founder of the American Spirit Dance Company.
“Somebody will usually be better than someone else. We want them, in a loving manner, to help the other person, not to get a built in feeling of competition. To teach them with actions, not words, to be generous.”
Lighting, costumes and props are designed by students and overseen by faculty. All light and sound boards are operated and programmed by students. The show will use 68 moving lights.
“We use state-of-the-art equipment, including sound and light boards that you will find in Broadway shows,” Rowan said.
“Dance is a visual art with movement. It only makes sense to have lights that compliment the dancers.”
Dean John Bedford serves as the producer and sound designer of the show. He also teaches students to run the sound board, said Carla Richard, alumna and company and stage manager.
Costumes are created by students, under the direction of Jessica Telfer, costume shop foreman. Students run the process, from fittings to sewing and bedazzling.
“There are no costume change problems. That has to do with management,” Rowan said. “So we are not only creative, as you will soon see, but we are right- and left-brained. The people know what they’re doing.”
The dancers are challenged in the same way an Equity contract would challenge them, Rowan said. They run rehearsals like an equity company, with equity hours, and students are expected to meet equity standards.
“We try to give them a stake in being superior,” Rowan said. “You can’t be an average artist and earn your living in the business. You have to be desirable.”
Tickets can be purchased at the Performing Arts Ticket Office or online at www.okcu.edu/ticketoffice.
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