Dance Audition Preview

In seeking new talent for the Spring dance concert in April, the LBCC dance ensemble will host an audition Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. in the dance studio building-Q 113.

The audition judges will include six teachers and four student choreographers who will select 35 to 70 performers for 10 dance pieces, dancers from all genres are encouraged to try out.

After being selected, all new dancers will get measured for their costumes and will start rehearsing right away from Monday to Saturday the week of Jan. 21.

The dancers' routines may vary depending on the number of dances they are assigned. For instance, a dancer will be required to commit three hours of rehearsing weekly if she is assigned to one dance and six hours if she or he is in two dance pieces.

Stephanie Powell, the artistic director of the Spring dance concert, said, "Students are allowed to participate in up to four dances at the most because 12 hours plus their academic units is quite taxing."

Also, each dancer would need to enroll in a dance technique class to help them stay in shape and improve their flexibility, strength and stamina, Powell added.

Even though the routine sounds hectic and time-consuming, many students seem to be excited.

Joshua Dunn, 20, a communication major, said he is looking forward to facing any new challenges for dance.

Andrea Delgado, 19, a dance major, said in excitement, "Last concert was fun and I am auditioning again this time."

Not only do students enjoy themselves through dancing, but they will also experience and learn something new during rehearsals.

Powell said, "As part of growing and learning, dancers learn how to communicate with other dancers, with the staff and with their designers. Also, if money is involved, they would learn how to fund-raise in order to purchase the pieces they need to make them like their dance."

The Spring concert will also feature a guest dance company because she likes to bridge students with their community and other institution to facilitate them once they transfer.

The Fall dance concert last semester earned great feedback though the dance crew only had a small participation of 32 performers, so they hope to recruit more dancers for the Spring concert, chair of theater, dance and film Sheree King said.

For more information, students may visit Powell's office in T Bldg 2358 or contact her at (562) 938.4848 or spowell@lbcc.edu