Dance group The Gamut readies debut
Members of Davidson’s new dance group The Gamut rehearse for their upcoming show. (Photo courtesy of Dance Ensemble president Harper Addison.)
Every semester, the Davidson College Dance Ensemble consistently sells out its two weekend shows in Duke Family Performance Hall. More than 160 students at every level of experience perform in a variety of styles, from step to pointe to salsa to tap. The student-run Dance Ensemble show is one of the most well attended campus events.
But this success wasn’t enough for some dancers at Davidson.
Last Fall, 12 of Davidson’s more experienced dancers joined to form “The Gamut,” an elite, audition-based student group of classically trained dancers. In order to set itself apart from the larger, more open Dance Ensemble, the Gamut is advised by professionals from North Carolina Dance Theatre who frequently choreograph pieces specifically for the group.
The Gamut will produce its first show next week independent of the Dance Ensemble, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 27-28.
“[We’re all] really excited about the show next week, and the innovative choreography that is going into it,” company manager Laura Swearingen said. “All the dancers look great and it shows the breadth of techniques and talent we have.”
The show will feature choreography by the NDCT teachers and company members.
GOAL: ACADEMIC CREDIT
Company members hope this show will be the first step in showing Davidson College that students take dance seriously. One of the ultimate goals in creating the Gamut was to urge campus administration to recognize dance as a legitimate learning discipline, and eventually create an academic program around dance.
Davidson students currently can get credit for taking art, music, and theater classes, but not dance.
“I think this [independent show] is a big step for showing that Davidson College needs a dance department, [and] that we have the student ability and desire for one,” Ms. Swearingen said.
DETAILS
The Gamut performances are Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 27 and 28, at 8 p.m. in Hodgson Hall of the Cunningham Fine Arts Building at Davidson College. Tickets are available at the Union Box Office or by calling 704–894–2135.
Emmaline Harvey is a founding member of The Gamut, and a performer in next week’s show. She also is a regular contributor to Davidson News & Notes.
Filed under: Davidson College, Davidson arts scene
