Ben Strand, Sophomore Mass Communications Journalism and Creative Writing
A Youthful Performance There’s an “annual” sort of theme of events as the holiday season stumbles around the corner. There are all sorts of yearly celebrations that have people biting at the lip in anxiousness. It makes sense considering outdoor activities are quite limited when the long, frigid winter of Minnesota makes its annual visit. It makes it hard to comfortably spend time outside while you enjoy your free time. In the winter months, it becomes difficult to get yourself to venture out into the cold. Going to indoor events such as plays, dance recitals, and operas become more popular during this time of year because they are events done inside where it is comfortable, sociable and warm. It can also be difficult to get off campus, especially at the end of the semester when finals are coming up. No one really wants to camp out in the library all day, but sometimes the freezing walk home seems too intimidating. However, it is important to get off campus and out into the community.
For the last four decades Saint Mary’s University has been hosting an annual winter event at the Minnesota Conservatory of Arts (MCA), also known as the Valencia Art Center. This year the Dance Repertory Company II (DRC II) will perform both classical and contemporary dances. Those who would like to participate can try-out for beginning and intermediate level dance. The roles are open for students age 5-13 and tryouts are free and open to the public. Tryouts for this year’s performance were held in early September. If enrolled, you are required to partake in one dance class at the MCA. Managing Director of MCA Joelle Harris mentioned the event shows how involved students are with the community and education.
“The Dance Repertory Company provides a performance opportunity for the younger students in the earlier stages of their dance career,” she said. “Kids get an opportunity to practice what they’re learning in class.” With almost three months to prepare for the big winter event, students are eager to put on their best performance, looking to impress an entire audience of more than just family and friends. The season of giving is cheerful and lively and what better demonstrates that than ambitious young performers looking to showcase what they have learned? It’s a fairly big deal to these young kids and showing support of their efforts and hard work gives them a drive to continue practicing. There will be two showings of the event: 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 7. Tickets are $5 and $3 for students and seniors.
Spiritual
So, during this cheerfully cold season, spend some time inside watching young performers display their skills at Saint Mary’s MCA.
Wellzine
If you are interested in the different classes offered by the MCA you can visit their forms website. They offer programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre all year to students ages 3 up to adults.
December/January 2014
Above and Opposite: Younger students practicing their moves. (Lina Tawfik)
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