Crystal Schayot directed, choreographed and danced to “Human” by Christina Perri. 
The Lion's Roar / Allison Crady

Dancers from different backgrounds and majors united for a night of improvised performance at the first staged “Danceapalooza.”

Held on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Vonnie Borden Theatre, “Danceapalooza” was organized by dance instructor Keith Costa and featured over 20 performers.

Not all of these performers were dance majors, such as dancers Joseph Matherne, computer science major and Jasmine Williams, family and consumer sciences major. In spite of the blend of experience among the performers, the one thing which united these various individuals was their shared passion for dance.

Some of the dancers had little to no experience with improvised performance, such as Faith Allen, a psychology major with a minor in dance.

“Honestly, [working on the show] was very difficult,” said Allen. “It was pushing our limits as dancers and choreographers, but it was definitely worth it in the end.”

Others, like Crystal Schayot, who has a bachelor’s degree in performing arts and almost two decades of experience in the arts, have had previous experience working with improvisation.

“I am actually a big fan of improv,” said Schayot. “I’ve been doing it for a very, very long time. It was really fun to use my background of improve to help those who may not be as comfortable with it, especially having freshmen. You need to get them broken into it real fast. I enjoyed it a lot.”

Numbers ranged from group efforts, such as the party music-themed “It’s A Dance Party” which featured DJ Casper’s “Cha Cha Slide” and The Isley Brothers’ “Shout,” to more intimate pieces with fewer performers, like the one-woman show that was “Lola.” Tones also varied, from the dramatic “Human” to the comical ping pong match in “Ping Pong 1152.”

Though the show only drew a small crowd, the few who came out to see “Danceapalooza” were impressed.

“I adored [the show],” said Angele Thibodaux, a junior psychology major. “It was improv, which is something I’ve never seen as a dance before. Each piece had a wonderful significance; they were either fun or touching.”

The “touching” aspect of the show was not unnoticed by other audience members either.

“It was just a ton of fun, very touching,” said Everett Junda, a freshman communication major. “There were a lot of heart-felt moments, and I just loved every minute of it.”

The night seemed to be a success with the audience.

“I kind of wish there had been a bigger crowd,” said Schayot. “But it was okay. I thought it was a good turnout for a Tuesday night. I know they might have been confused about some things, but that comes with the territory when you never know what’s going to happen.”

For more information on upcoming events within the dance department, contact Keith Costa at [email protected] or check out the department’s webpage on the university website.

  Faith Allen danced with Leah Reeb, both Dance Performance Project
choreographers, in the act “Unseen Support,” directed by Lindsy Brown,
DPP choreographer.
The Lion's Roar / Allison Crady
 

Brown directed, choreographed and danced in the act “Lola.” Seven choreographers
composed and directed 11 unique acts for the first staged and improvised
Danceapalooza concert. 
The Lion's Roar / Emily Stephan