Lights, Camera, Action

By: Nicole Baillargeon
Posted In: News

Lines snaked around the corner and out the door of Rodgers Recreation Center Saturday Nov. 22. There was excited chatter as the queue grew longer and longer to the entrance of the gymnasium. Were the Boston Celtics back in town for one last game on Salve’s courts? Nope. It was time for Salve’s fall semester dance show, and everyone was anticipating the event.

The dance show, which occurred on Saturday November 22nd and Sunday November 23rd, was appropriately titled “Welcome to the Jungle.” While some of the dances did have a jungle theme, one of the emcees for the night, sophomore Vin Testa, also called it a simile for the dancers. “We’re wild and crazy like the jungle,” he said to a full crowd on Saturday night.

Students, parents, friends and alumni flooded the gym as everyone squished in like sardines on the hard wooden bleachers, where they would sit for the next two hours. As the lights grew dim, the crowd began to yell out the names of some of the dancers to show support.

The great thing about the dance show is that there is something for everyone because it caters to all dance styles. “As always, the hip hop routines are the highlights,” said senior Tara Bernot. But, this show had everything from ballet to Irish step dance, giving a little something for everyone.

The night opened appropriately with Guns N’ Roses, “Welcome to the Jungle,” turning this classic rock song into a tap dance routine. Who knew you could tap to Axl Rose?

The dance, “Viva la Vida,” choreographed by senior Danielle Brazil and sophomore Alex Zarlengo, was a highlight as the dancers, wearing brightly colored outfits, formed a human staircase allowing one dancer to walk up and be carried away by Zarlengo. It was moving and creative.

The first half ended with a bang, showcasing the dance “Too Close for Comfort,” by juniors Amanda Kibit and Erin Vardaro. This was one of the favorite dances of the night for the elaborate costumes and makeup. Most of the dancers had on black tutus and ripped leggings, and had exaggerated makeup and messed up hair. To play up this theme of “disturbia” even more, the dancers snarled and bared their teeth to the crowd. They played the part extremely well.

While the first half of the dance show was amazing, it was after intermission that the dancers truly picked up steam. “Just Dance” choreographed by Andi Sperl, was sparkly, innovative and exciting. This number really pumped up the crowd and sent nothing but good vibes to the spectators.

Of course, there’s always room for humor in dance too. The dance “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” choreographed by senior Dominica Danzilio, put a smile on many faces. Her dancers were dressed up as many of the well known figures that Billy Joel sings about in his classic song including, Mickey Mantle, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. Danzilio played the part of Peter Pan. This dance allowed the audience to witness how much fun these dancers have up on stage.

The dance that got the most cheers; however, was “Granauile’s Dance,” an Irish step dance choreographed by juniors Chris Wester and Molly Casper. Wester had a mini-solo and brought the house down with his elaborate foot work, as though he were the Lord of the Dance himself. Someone in the crowd even called him a “rock star.”

The show ran smoothly and it appeared that everyone, dancers included, were thoroughly enjoying themselves. “I think that this is one of the best dance shows the company’s done since I’ve been a freshman,” said senior dancer Melissa Hreyo (who got to be Elvis in “We Didn’t Start the Fire). “All the mistakes in the past have improved or changed.”

The dancers took their final bow and the house lights turned on as proud friends and family members ran down to greet and congratulate the dancers. One thing is for certain; their dedication is admired greatly by the Salve Regina community, as not one seat was left empty Saturday night. If this show was any indication, the spring dance show is going to be even bigger and better.

Proceeds from the dance show went to the Andrea Rizzo Foundation, which brings dance therapy to children with cancer and special needs.