Courtesy of Jun Yi He Wu ‘25
What’s that flying through the air? It’s a ghost, it’s a witch, it’s a…dancer? This past weekend, all types of costumes appeared on campus sidewalks and on stage as Conn Dance Club members turned, jumped, and tapped their way through the annual Dance Club concert.
Taking place at the Myers Studio on October 27, 28, and 29, the production of Movement Mentality was a treat indeed. Dozens of dancers took the stage, showcasing fifteen different works in styles ranging from ballet-based contemporary to hip hop to tap. Student choreographers were given free artistic reign, an opportunity each used to showcase their respective technical backgrounds, explore their own signature styles of movement, and create pieces enjoyable both to dance and to watch.
Though viewers have good reason to think the works presented took months upon months of rehearsal to perfect, dancers and choreographers were given just under eight weeks to complete the entire process, from holding auditions to choosing music to polishing the finished product for the world to see. According to Dance Club co-president Ava Dobro ‘26, this feat was made possible purely by a winning combination of group effort and sheer willpower. “I feel like collaboration has been the key thing. I definitely could not have done this [production] first off without the other two [Dance Club] presidents Emily and Gabby, but also all the choreographers and all the crew. I feel like putting on a performance, there’s a chance that it could go competitively, there’s always the risk of [competition] happening, and we really didn’t want that this year,” Dobro told me.
Onstage, dancers certainly seem to embrace this supportive atmosphere, cheering not simply for the advanced dancers showcasing their skills, but for the beginners making their performance debut. “We started the beginner piece—which is the first year we’ve ever done that—just as a way of kind of reaching out more to the community and growing our crew,” says Dobro. Somewhat surprisingly, the beginner piece featured more dancers than many of the works starring more experienced movers, confirming The Dance Club’s effort to be inclusive of those from all performance backgrounds resonated with the wider Conn community. In fact, judging by the smiles of those in the work, I would go so far as to say these dancers were more jovial than almost any other group of the night.
Of course, putting on a production of this scale couldn’t possibly be all smooth sailing. When questioned about the highs and lows of the production, Dobro confided that her role running Dance Club did not exactly consist of sitting back and watching the show come together. After all, “it’s hard to make everyone happy.” So what, exactly, is the main culprit behind Dance Club difficulties? Apparently, it’s the one thing students always seem to lack—the precious commodity of time. “I think one of our major challenges has been scheduling things, which is something that could be seen as minor but is very very difficult. With the show order, somebody always is going to have to rush into their next piece, [or] do a quick change. It’s been difficult just because we do want to make everyone happy and not make anyone stressed with this process,” Dobro revealed.
Luckily, the enthralling works laid out on the Myers Studio stage were anything but stressful to watch. The Movement Mentality immediately captivated audiences, transporting viewers on an emotional rollercoaster of fun, sorrow, nostalgia, excitement, cheek; even incorporating a bit of Halloween for good measure. On Friday night, the production opened with an explosive performance set to Madonna’s “Vogue,” showcasing a large group of dancers experimenting with a classical jazz style of movement. Alternating between smooth, repetitive choreography and sass-filled bursts of energy, Claire Lawrence ‘24’s number proved to be a consistent hit with viewers throughout all three performances.
Other works of note include two powerful contemporary pieces choreographed by Annabelle Breton ‘26 and Emily Brankman ‘26, respectively. Breton’s piece to Hozier’s “Sunlight” managed to feel grounded yet ethereal, putting a spotlight on both the physical and emotional range of the dancers as they flowed in a circle through movements onto the floor. Performers were full of purpose, articulating each reach of the fingertips before letting go into fast-moving, multi-level movements illustrating the emotional depth of the music.
Similarly, Brankman’s interpretation of Earl St. Clair’s “Sober” utilized unique movements and partnerwork to display a raw emotional state of exhaustion, pressure, and perseverance. Particularly impressive in this dance was the featured duet between Bella Donatelli ‘25 and Maya Kunschaft ‘27, who at one point matched the lyrics by quite literally rolling over one another’s backs. The simple costumes of dark pants and a dark top blended with the low lighting, accentuating the movements of the dancers and contributing to the Blues-esque, 19th century New Orleans feeling of the work. Ultimately, it seemed to tell a story with each step, serving as a perfect example of contemporary dance at its very finest.
Contrasting these intensity-filled dances were several light-hearted, fun-focused pieces tempting spectators to get up, clap their hands, and dance. Ava Norris ‘26’s tap number brought joy and Halloween to the stage as dancers drummed around the floor in boxer shorts to the song “Superstition” by the legendary Stevie Wonder, breaking the mold by playacting with one another as well as by adopting a relaxed style of movement.
The heels number choreographed by Sierra Mayoral ‘26 also injected a burst of energy into the show, embracing a modern movement style representative of dance in the 21st century. Dancers changed into heeled shoes on stage as Rina Sawayama’s song “XS” transitioned from a restrained intro to an upbeat tempo ideal for strutting around the stage. One lone performer remained as the number ended, holding a one legged squat until the spotlight faded to black—a pose serving to paint an impressive picture of strength within femininity.
After three packed shows, it is undeniable fact that The Movement Mentality was, by all definitions, a success. For those who happened to miss the show, be sure to catch the Dance Department concert this December, where select works will be featured alongside faculty creations. To the Connecticut College Dance Club, we thank you for providing an open space for students to explore the boundaries of their creativity—our community is better off for the existence of these amazing works of movement.
