As graduation approaches for the Dance Division's Class of 2003, the seniors are hard at work on their preparations for the annual Senior Production. Eight choreographers--Frances Chiaverini, Tamara Dyke, Shannon Gillen, Grasan Kingsberry, Stephan Laks, Elisabeth Motley, Kristin Swiat, and I--were chosen to create new works that will be performed by the students in the division on two different programs. As choreographers, we get to indulge in a wonderful opportunity to work with Martha Clarke, who serves as advisor and mentor to us as we shape our pieces. An alumna of the Juilliard's Dance Division, Martha has performed with many well-known companies and is presently enjoying every aspect of being a choreographer herself. We are honored that she is sharing her expertise with us on this project.

Photo by fanjoylabrenz

A few of the things that make this production unique are that the choreographers have the liberty to choose any music to their liking, as well as the chance to work one-on-one with a talented costume designer. This year, designers Kate Jones, Amy Clark, Christine Jones, and Fritz Masten will each assist two choreographers in selecting and designing original costumes for their pieces. Guided by the designers, the choreographers have been able to see and evaluate swatches and the various qualities of assorted fabrics. Throughout this process, we meet every few weeks or so with Martha and our designers to share any thoughts on the costume design and assess how much progress has been accomplished on our production pieces.

With that all said, the real backbone of this production is the entire senior class. Starting in September, Aaron Landsman (who teaches a course in all the elements of production) explains how to begin and gives us the support we need to start. We all split into various groups to handle different aspects such as fundraising, budgeting, ticket sales, and publicity, to name just a few of the areas that must be dealt with. Each group is responsible for completing their particular job by the deadline.

Senior Production Clark Studio Theater Wednesday-Saturday, April 16-19 For time and ticket information, please see the calendar.

Teamwork and camaraderie play a huge factor in all the behind-the-scenes situations. Lately, we've been feeling more like business majors, with dance as our minor--although, in the course of things, we've managed to have a little fun. The class got together for a weekend photo shoot with senior dancer Brock Labrenz's parents, who are photographers and volunteered their time to take professional pictures of us. The weekend they were here, they shot our class photo, as well as the individual photos that you will find in our dance calendar (which, along with tee-shirts also designed by the seniors, will be available for purchase at all the shows). This distinctive calendar embraces all our different personalities and talents; we made it an 18-month calendar, so that each of the senior dancers could express an element of themselves.

With eight diverse choreographers represented, the audience will be treated to an evening of premiere performances with eclectic appeal, as no two pieces are remotely alike. Some choreographers are integrating set design and props into their works, while others are choosing to do something entirely different. Not all the pieces have a theme or story-line, but in each case, whether it is ballet or modern, the choreographers' intentions are being realized as they see their movements coming to life on the dancers. I am sure that I speak for everyone when I predict that we will be very proud to take the evening's final bow together as a class!

Before I conclude, I will share our recent experience in Sarasota, Fla. The Dance Division was invited by the Sarasota Ballet to perform the works from our February concert in a special appearance on its "Sarasota Ballet Presents..." series. Twenty-six dancers flew down on February 27 to prepare for our five performances between February 28 and March 2. We were thrilled to be a part of it. The Sarasota Ballet's beautiful building was the site of all our rehearsals, as well as our performances. Larry Rhodes taught our warm-up classes for the first two days, and then Alexandra Wells flew down for the last two. We were fortunate that they were able to do that because, back home in New York, auditions were being held for next year.

Everyone in Sarasota was extremely welcoming and treated us as though we were a professional touring company. The opening night gala was great, because we got to talk face-to-face with those who support the arts. In addition to the opening night, we performed a matinee and an evening show for two days. If anything, this trip gave us a taste of what it would be like to dance professionally. Of course, nothing beats 70-degree weather and a warm pool after a performance; the latter was quite therapeutic for our muscles and bodies after the shows.

Good times must always come to an end, and the entire experience seemed to fly by. As we boarded the plane in Tampa, we were brought back to harsh reality by the captain's announcement: "The flight will be two hours long and the current temperature in New York City is 18 degrees." If we all could have gotten off the plane that very moment, we would have! But, all in all, we were grateful that the Dance Division gave us the opportunity to experience traveling and touring. Many thanks to production coordinator Keith Michael, assistant stage manager Joyce Smith, and wardrobe supervisor Erynn Wheatley for keeping up with us throughout this once-in-a lifetime trip.

Jolene Baldini is a fourth-year dancer.