ARTS: Dance Black Expands Its Horizons

This is more than a dance - this is Dance Black.

The 35-member dance troupe will bring African-American dance, culture and music to life April 6 when members perform In Retrospect: A Celebration of Black Culture Past and Present. Relocating their annual spring show from the small space of the East Campus Ark to the larger Page Auditorium for the first time, Dance Black hopes to attract a greater and more diverse crowd than in the past.

"The size of the Ark had put limitations on the number of audience members, and those attending were almost entirely from the black community," Dance Black co-president Melanie Ragland said. "But we think everyone can develop an appreciation for what we do."

Since Ragland, a junior, and co-president Anya Green-Odlum, a senior, joined the group, their shows have focused mainly on hip hop music and culture. This year, the theme allows group members and choreographers to highlight other types of dance - like ballet and tap.

"We are showing we are more diverse and capable than just performing hip hop," Ragland said.

Dancers will also utilize costumes and props to complement the theme of change throughout the decades. Most scenes are introduced with dialogue about the era or place from which the music and dance is taken. In one routine, dancers will wear fruit baskets on their heads to introduce a reggae piece, visually depicting one aspect of Caribbean culture.

Dance Black prides itself on being composed of members with diverse backgrounds and abilities. While it may prove more difficult to coordinate due to different levels of ability and talent, choreographers emphasize the importance of introducing new members to dance as an art form - Dance Black is one of only a small number of performance groups that does not hold auditions. Ragland signed up at the activities fair as a freshman and is now a leader of the organization.

With a bigger venue and a greater variety of dances, Dance Black emphasizes making performance more inclusive - all are invited to attend, and if it strikes you to, sign up to join.