Is it a type of food? Is it an endangered animal? Does it mean “spring dance concert”? Although Terpsichore (Terp) was a hot topic on campus this past weekend, it seems that many do not know the origins and true pronunciation of this student group’s title. Terpsichore [turp-sik-uh-ree] is the Greek muse of dancing and choral song, and the name of the campus group that puts on a biannual dance showcase. The event has been growing in popularity each semester in both student participation and attendance. This year, the performance consisted of 17 dances with 170 dancers who performed for three sold-out audiences, making it Terp’s biggest show to date.

 

This highly anticipated performance did not disappoint the enthusiastic viewers, as dancers captivated and entertained them for the entire show. The diverse choreography and eccentric costumes made each dance fresh and exciting. When the lights dimmed, the first dancers to grace the stage were part of “My Hands to Learn,” an uplifting and eloquent contemporary piece set to Mumford and Sons’ “Below My Feet” and choreographed by freshmen Sonya Levine and Rick Manayan. As the dancers, clad in peach and navy dresses, exited the stage, the next group entered wearing various patterned genie pants. The mood in the audience suddenly shifted as the song “Talk Dirty” by Jason Derulo blared through the speakers. The crowd whooped, cheered, and laughed along as the dancers fiercely strutted, crumped, and shook their booties.

 

After a few impressive contemporary numbers, the stage was overwhelmed by dancers wearing togas. There was laughter in the audience as each individual struck a dramatic pose. The crowd’s energy continued to rise as the beloved Hercules song, “Zero to Hero,” started to play. The choreographers, Rebecca Hutman ’17 and Tess Jonas ’15, incorporated dance moves that were appropriate for dancers of all levels and allowed every participant to shine. Their smiles and high energy were infectious.

 

Following a brief intermission, three especially memorable large group numbers took the stage. “Back to the Future,” choreographed by Leo Enverga ’14, was a quirky, vibrant piece set to Huey Lewis and the News’ “Back in Time.” The dancers wore bright ’80s attire and smiles that stretched from ear-to-ear as they rocked out to this old tune. Another throwback number appeared later in the program: “No Strings Attached,” choreographed by seniors Michael Yee and Anju Paul, was set to a nostalgic mash up of *NSYNC’s  “Bye Bye Bye” and “It’s Gonna Be Me.” These dancers thrilled the audience with their synchronized hip-hop moves and their head-to-toe outfits, complete with backwards hats and cutoff sleeves that were “n sync” with the times. The last big group number, “My Leather Black Jeans On,” choreographed by juniors Natalie Ancona, Nicole Klein, and Jacob Musinsky, kept the party going with a medley of songs by Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, and Major Lazer. By far the largest number in the show, the choreographers successfully taught 40 dancers, who wore black shirts covered in various neon duct tape patterns, to move as one organized unit. Each step was executed with great confidence and mock attitude, which made this performance explosive with personality.

 

Terp’s exciting program is certainly noteworthy, but it is the supportive atmosphere among dancers and the cheering audience that make Terp so exceptional.

 

“The fact that so many people do take dance classes at Wesleyan and do support dance shows is an amazing part of our culture,” said Lili Kadets ’17, a dancer in “My Hands to Learn.” “Because everybody is at different levels, you have an opportunity to be a teacher and a learner.”

 

Kadets has been dancing since she was four; she, along with other more experienced dancers, often assist those who do not have as much background with dance.

 

“I wanted to get out of my comfort zone because I don’t dance,” said Rachel Sobelsohn ’17, a dancer in “Zero to Hero.” “It takes me a little longer to learn the choreography. More experienced, advanced dancers would pick it up and go through it with me.”

 

Similar to Sobelsohn, Lucas McLaughlin ’15 started participating in Terp during the second semester of his freshman year without any formal dance experience. Now he is a member of Fusion Dance Crew, assistant director of WesBurlesque, and a staff member of Milk & Choreo, in addition to dancing and choreographing for Terp.

 

“I would not be where I am today in the dance community were it not for Terp,” McLaughlin said.

 

This semester’s Terp show proved to be thoroughly enjoyable and memorable for both participants and audience members. Dancers explain that the audience’s enthusiasm enhanced their performances.

 

“There’s electricity in the air,” McLaughin said. “People are so ready for you, and they want to see what you’ve got. And you want to show them.”

 

Audience member Genna Mastellone ’17 simply could not get enough of Terp: she was so riveted by her first viewing that she disguised herself as a dancer in order to sneak in to see the show a second time.

 

“Terp is my favorite thing about this university,” Mastellone said.

 

If you missed out on Terp this semester, do not forget to get your tickets early next year to see this reliably entertaining and inspiring show.