Grace Vaccaro, Staff Writer
Terpsichorean (or Terps) is a student-run dance company here at Oneonta. Each semester, the group prepares a dance showcase, featuring a variety of styles and student choreography. Last semester, they put on a sold-out dance showcase in Goodrich Theater inspired by Broadway, and plan to do the same this semester. For the showcase to happen, students put in months of dedication and hard work. Simply glancing at their schedule, it may seem like this team would be a stressful commitment. Freshman Olivia Peek shared her inside perspective on what it is actually like to be on this team.
At the beginning of each semester, there is an introductory meeting where the audition process begins. Choreographers, who are students as well, present the dances that they have created. Each choreographer demonstrates their routine so dancers can see what they would like to audition for. Dancers are able to choose what they would like to audition for, keeping their interests and strengths in mind.
Olivia explained that audition week isn’t stressful, but it can become tiring. At auditions, dancers strive to impress and do their best, practicing and pushing themselves to their limits. Dancers are notified if they have made it into the dance they auditioned for within 24 hours. Still, the selection process isn’t over yet.
After the initial auditions happen, there is another round of cuts — but not for the dancers, for the routines. Show Selection is when all routines are presented for their e-board and Scott Segar, who is their director. This semester, there were about 32 routines that were cut to 20 for the main showcase.
To ensure that no person is being overworked or overwhelmed, there is a limit on how many routines a dancer can be in. Each dancer can be in a maximum of five routines, ensuring there is balance between the team and academics.
Once your final routines are set, regular rehearsals begin. Practice is typically an hour for each routine. For example, if a dancer is in three routines, then they will attend three rehearsals, for a total of three hours of practice. In addition to practice for specific routines, “Sunday Runs” are hosted. This is where everyone presents their routines in the order of the upcoming showcase. This allows everyone to see what each group is preparing for their final showcase.
The week before the performance is dubbed “Hell Week.” It has received this name for the hours of practice that are crammed together to ensure everything is perfect for the performance. Rehearsals are moved from Alumni Field House and Chase Gym to Goodrich Theatre, where the performance takes place.
The performance will be inspired by Dancing With The Stars, themed (Dancing with TERPS), and set for May 7th, 8th at 7 PM, and the 9th at 5 PM. While the schedule can become busy, the hard work is worth it in the end. Seeing the final show and a full audience makes all the preparation worthwhile.
Leave a Reply