Repertory Dance Theatre Presents ‘In Motion’
November 27, 2015 By: Ricki Maggiore
Repertory Dance Theatre, a student run dance organization at Salem State University, is home to many students, all with different dance backgrounds, majors, and lives. There is one thing that pulls this mismatched group together: their love of dance. RDT has become a family of sorts to all of its members, spending hours every week crammed in the dance studio at O’Keefe, working hard to bring the Salem State community a great show at the end of each semester.
“I joined RDT because I wanted to dance again. I missed dance after having to stop in high school after 13 years. So when I found RDT was open to all people, not just dance majors, I was stoked" said Brittany Locklin, a member of RDT and first time choreographer this semester.
“I joined RDT to share my passion for dance with other dancers. I think it's cool to see how people interpret what you teach them and make it their own. I also enjoy watching the process of growth and to see how someone performs today, can completely change tomorrow, whether the change be big or small; there's always something evolving in the way someone moves” said another member, Jaheem Alleyne. “I've been choreographing for RDT for the last two or three years, I would say. Maybe it was just two. But I don't know, kinda feels like three” he continued with a laugh.
The process of getting ready for the show at the end of each semester is a lengthy one. First, the executive board auditions choreographers, carefully picking each dance to represent various different genres of dance: lyrical, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. The executive board tries to make the show as balanced as they can with the best dances they see. Each choreographer goes into the studio with a small part of their dance and shows their song and piece. From there, once the executive board makes their decisions, they make the schedule for the rehearsals, each choreographer chosen getting a weekly spot. Once the rehearsals start, thus begins the many weeks of learning new choreography and cleaning it to make sure it's sharp and show ready.
Megan Forrest, a senior who has been working with RDT since her first year at Salem State University had this to say about the process. “We have been working very hard to get the most out of every rehearsal. I’m so thankful that my dancers show up every week ready and eager to learn the next part of the dance. They have really inspired me with all of their hard work and dedication.”
“We have been rehearsing non-stop since September. We go over the entire dance as a whole, clean the sections that are the most messy, and just keep running it until we can perform the dance in our sleep!” replied Caitlin DeVine, a longtime choreographer and executive member, when I asked what she does to make sure her dances are top notch.
“We have so many great things lined up! Our show 'In Motion' is coming to the Multi-purpose room December 4th, 5th, and 6th, and its going to be an awesome show! We also have our first ever RDT banquet coming in the spring to end the year off with a bang!” added Devine.
After the long hours and hard work, the dancers, choreographers, and board members are ready to get going on the final touches for their upcoming show, preparing for tech week and dress rehearsals, which put the finishing touches on everything they have done all semester. After I talk to each and every person mentioned above, everyone came to the same conclusion: they have high expectations for their upcoming show.
“I'm usually never disappointed and I don't anticipate any changes for this upcoming show. I'm sure everyone will do great, and with each choreographer being so vulnerable as they give a piece of themselves away through their art, the audience is always so supportive to each person and that's amazing. With art and positive energy floating through the air, how can I anticipate anything other than a great turnout? It's impossible!” exclaimed Alleyne.
Everyone is ready, the show is closing in, the work is paying off, and members are setting their sights on the excitement that will come when they hit the stage. Locklin summed up everyone’s enthusiasm best after being asked if she was excited and ready.“Do penguins waddle when they walk?”
Contributor's Note: Ricki has been dancing with Repertory Dance Theatre for all four years during her time at Salem State and currently holds an E-Board position as treasurer.