Flip, twirl, until ya can't anymore

Dance Day unites community and invigorates students from the soles of their feet

MONICA VILLACORTA Reporter @MVillacorta48

Stretchy pants and comfy sneakers filled the North Gym in the morning Sunday, Nov. 20 as new and seasoned dancers picked up some new moves.

Pierce students had to pay $5 per class of their dance style preference.

“It’s all these affordable classes and everybody can take them. I definitely think there should be more of it,” said Ivy Moncada, dancer in the Pierce College Dance Crew (PCDC). “You’re being creative while you’re also moving your body in a very artistic way, and I think that’s a really good thing for everyone to try.“

Dance Day featured four styles of dance taught by professional dancers and choreographers.

Contemporary was taught by Luis Trujillo, jazz by Brian Moe, salsa by Jose Valencia and hip-hop by Corey Turner.

“A lot of people that have different abilities came together. I had some really great guest artists come in and share their knowledge and their spirit,” said full-time faculty member Brian Moe. “It was just a really fun experience for everyone.”

Jenny Ghiglia, the cheer and dance coach for the Pierce College Dance Crew, organized of the event. Ghiglia said the Associated Students Organization were financially responsible for the event.

“I wasn’t sure who was going to come,” Ghiglia said. “I started with the process about two weeks ago putting flyers up. The concept started before that, but I had to get it approved from the school.”

According to Ghiglia, this is the first Dance Day on campus. She borrowed the idea from a district dance meeting she attended in which other colleges shared their success about hosting this particular event.

“I was really inspired by what they said about how they set it up. So I set it up the same exact way, except I have different styles of dance,” Ghiglia said. “I asked the dance club members what they felt the students would want or the community, and we picked these four styles.”

Some students came to learn new moves, others came to release stress and some to step out of their comfort zone.

“I just want to expand my knowledge and get as much teaching as I can get,” sign language major Wyatt Corbin said. “If you have never tried dancing before, I’d recommend coming to these classes, and that they keep bringing them back. I had so much fun. It was a great experience.”