Ryerson’s Theatre School is back at it with its annual Choreographic Works dance series. The first performance is slated for March 7 and Ryerson dance students in second, third and fourth years will showcase their original choreography work during the series.
Kenny Pearl is working on his second year as producer and says he is excited about the progress he has seen from his dancers. “These students work tirelessly to make this an amazing show,” he said. “I’m really impressed about the passion and talent.”
The showcase will feature 36 performances split between two shows. Each show will have 25 acts, along with six to seven “stronger” works that will be performed every night. Pearl adds that the goal is to have something for everyone.
“If a style of dance isn’t your thing, you don’t have to sit for a long performance,” he said.
Dance students are responsible for their own music and costumes, along with the choreography piece itself. Theatre production students, on the other hand, are in charge of behind-the-scenes lighting, design and stage management.
The most popular style of dance is contemporary but shows also include jazz, music theatre, ballet and hip hop.
Each group, whether it is a solo, duet, trio, quartet or larger group piece, also has a mentor to help with technical issues and provide advice.
Tickets are available at the Ryerson Box Office. The shows will take place on March 7, 8 and 10-15 at 8 p.m. Matinees will also take place on March 8 and 15 at 2 p.m.
This story was first published in The Ryersonian, a weekly newspaper produced by the Ryerson School of Journalism, on March 5, 2014.
Graduate of the Bachelor of Journalism program at Ryerson University 2014. Aspiring feature writer with a passion for local news. Reporter for the Ryersonian in print, online and broadcast. This is me, and always will be.