Dance Club Performances Showcase Student Talent

by The Cowl Editor on November 21, 2019


Arts & Entertainment


Fall Show Provides Opportunity for Creativity

by: Grace Whitman ’22 A&E Staff

Dance Club performance
NORA JOHNSON ’20 / THE COWL

This past weekend, Providence College’s Dance Club sold out their fall semester show in the Angell Blackfriars Theatre. Students, family, and staff packed in to support the 70-plus girls and their love of dance. 

The PC Dance Club is a student-run organization developed with the goal of giving all PC students the opportunity to dance throughout their college years. No experience is necessary to participate, and they welcome dancers from all genres. 

The show featured dances of different styles including tap, lyrical, and hip-hop. The show started with a number which featured all the student choreographers and executive board members. Choreographed by Club Publicist Emily Shade ’20, the opening song “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!” set the stage for the rest of the show. Brooke Douglass ’21 executed a beautiful aerial across the stage, which astonished the crowd. Other performances included a tap dance to Ed Sheeran’s “What Do I Know,” a lyrical number to “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes, and a jazz number to “Bennie and the Jets,” choreographed by Molly McGhee ’22. 

One of the most creative dances was choreographed by Elizabeth Connor ’20 to the song “Turn All the Lights On” by T-Pain featuring Ne-Yo. All of the group dancers had glow-in-the-dark accessories on their wrists and ankles that created an unexpected light show for the audience. Dance Club provides students with the opportunity to tap into their creative side, and Connor took it to a new level. 

When asked what inspired her to choreograph this dance, Connor said, “When I decided I wanted to choreograph, I knew I wanted to do something that was different and would keep the audience engaged. I choreographed ‘Turn All the Lights On’ with that idea in mind. I love this song because I feel like the beat just makes everyone want to get up and dance. I wanted all of the dancers in my dance to just have a blast on stage, and I’m so happy that they did. I am very proud of all of them!” 

Douglass, who choreographed the final dance, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” said, “My two favorite things about Dance Club are the creativity that goes into the show and the amazing community of people that participate in the club. It is really unique that the club is completely student-choreographed because it allows people to use their gifts and imaginations; it is amazing to see what people come up with.”

She continued, “The community surrounding Dance Club is one of the most genuine, joyful, and supportive that I have ever known, and I am so grateful to have met so many wonderful friends through our shared love of dancing!”  

Before they know it, dancers will be preparing for their spring semester show, another chance to showcase their creativity through dance, which will be in April of 2020.