The student-run Willamette Dance Company (WDC) is hosting “Revolution,” a 16-piece dance showcase, April 16 and 17.
The free performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in Smith Auditorium. Donations will benefit the Center for Hope and Safety, which offers a safe refuge and support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Each year, WDC students choreograph and perform a spring concert. For this event, about 80 dancers will perform in a variety of styles, ranging from hip hop to modern to contemporary. Each piece will meditate on the theme of revolution, with an accompanying explanation in the performance program.
“Each choreographer searches to find what revolution means to them personally, whether that’s something from their own life or from a larger sphere they want to represent,” WDC President Layla Tahmassebi ’17 says.
For choreographer Natalie Pate ’15, revolution means standing up to injustice. Her piece is inspired by the quote, “Soul is Freedom. Love is Power. Hope is Love. Dreams are Revolutions."
“Whether revolution is personal or political, it’s vital to improving our lives and our world,” she says.
The WDC, founded in 2009, operates on the principles of students’ self-governance and self-expression. People with all levels of experience are welcome to join and perform in the spring concerts.
“Dancers have been working all semester, putting in time and effort, sweating profusely, getting cuts, bruises, sore muscles — all to simply showcase their talents,” Pate says. “We only have two shows, so students should definitely take this opportunity to see and support their friends.”
For more information on the showcase, contact Tahmassebi at ltahmass@willamette.edu.
• Article by Emma Jonas ’15, creative writing major
