The Department of Fine and Performing Arts’ dance company dances back a few decades in their “It Was the 80s” concert on Oct. 17 at Vonnie Borden Theatre.
“It Was the 80s” was performed by Dance Performance Project, the department’s dance company, and was directed by Southeastern Dance Instructor, Keith “Skip” Costa. The recital was in conjunction with FANFARE, the annual fall celebration of the arts, humanities and social sciences.
Besides Costa, Ashley Lewis was another faculty choreographer.
Student choreographers were Leah Reeb, Lindsy Brown, Crystal Schayot, Faith Allen, Christa Clemet and Millenique Brown. Some students, including Reeb, Schayot, Allen and Clemet, also performed in the show.
Upon walking in, the ‘80s vibe began immediately as audience members gave their tickets to Pac-Man. The opening act of “It Was the 80s” was “Game Over,” a dance choreographed by Schayot, that told the story of Mr. and Mrs. Pac Man.
Other numbers throughout the night also told stories. For example, a lyrical performance pieced together by Brown named “I Will Not Be Silenced” reflected on the effects cancer can put on a patient emotionally and physically.
“When Doves Cry” by Prince set the tone for the dance “Not Just Another Number.” It was choreographed by Allen and based on stopping domestic violence. At the end, dancers joined together at the edge of the stage holding signs that read “Put a silence on men’s violence.”
“I chose Prince because he was such a huge factor in the ‘80s. I actually wanted to use the remake of the song then I heard the original and fell in love. Once I can come up with my song, the dance just takes on a whole new meaning. With the combination of the song, concept and my dancers, I couldn’t have asked for a better performance,” said Allen.
Ending the night was “I Want my MTV Back” choreographed by Lewis. The number featured a 80’s music calibration including songs such as “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper, “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey and “She’s a Bad Mamma Jamma” by Carl Carlton.
“If we had more time to rehearse, I think we would definitely have a better performance. It was really hard to do this show during homecoming week,” said Allen.
As the performance ended, audience members sang their way out of the theater.