Boston University Choreolab 2017 Program

          You sit with your hands clasped, eyes glued to the artists on the stage, and hold your breath. You don’t even blink as your gaze follows their moves. It is all so captivating and you forget that these are not professionals, but students at BU.

Boston University’s Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and BU’s Dance Theatre Group celebrated the arts on April 30th, during the end of the spring semester. This performance included student and faculty choreography from several classes along with a variety of music selections. The showing was designed to appreciate different dance styles such as Afro Jazz, Aerial arts, Cardio Jazz Funk, and Hip Hop. Each song accompanied the dances in a beautiful blend of movement and music.

The show opened with a dance titled ‘Sun Celebration’ from an Afro Jazz class. It included live drums putting everyone on their feet. Next were several solo and group items from Aerial choreography: ‘The crane wife’, ‘Oblivion’, ‘Thunder Storm’, ‘Sweet dreams’, I wish I was the moon’ and others . The dancers did the ankle hang, foot lock, center lock, climb & tumbledown, spins, splits and many floor movements. Lynda Rieman taught these classes and transformed them into a breathtaking compilation.

The final item of the show combined Jossie Coleman’s six different Cardio Jazz and Hip Hop classes using a thrilling theme and multiple songs. Coleman created a “3D Thriller” with a battle between ghosts and zombies. She also included acting in her vision, allowing the theme to come together. The dancers began while watching a movie and zombies emerged from the screen. They were committed to their characters and allowed the vision to come to life.

The auditorium was packed with guests and everyone enjoyed the magnificent performances by the students. Kudos to the teachers and students at BU for such dedication and finesse. Some of these classes are also available to the general public! If anyone wants to try a new dance form or just add a little spice to your life, check them out at https://www.bu.edu/fitrec/

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