The UK Dance Ensemble is a student run organization where all UK students may continue their dance careers in a fun club-like environment. Auditions will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1, in Barker Hall. During the audition, those trying out will essentially participate in a technique class with current members which involves a warm up, across the floor exercises, two combinations and an improvisational period. The audition is very relaxed and inviting to see who has enough dance background to keep up with the level of the current UK Dance Ensemble members.
Current UKDE member and publicist, Cait Leiby, says, “I think ensemble is a great organization because you can be as involved as you want. If you only want to be in one dance then you can do that, or if you want to be in a bunch you can do that, too. I would definitely tell someone to audition even if they're unsure, because it's worth a shot and it's only a commitment to one semester so if you don't want to come back after one semester that's okay! Also, our dues are only $50 and compared to a lot of other organizations that's pretty reasonable.”
Once auditions have come to an end, the new members will audition for specific individual pieces that will be performed at the end of the semester. Students can audition to be in dances of many different genres depending on what types of dances have been choreographed for that particular semester. The majority of these pieces will be choreographed by students in UKDE with the exception of a couple guest choreographers. Once these auditions have concluded, members will meet three times a week to practice in Barker Hall. Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour and a half, students will participate in a technique class, while on Sundays students will have rehearsal for their individual dances, which will last for one hour per dance. If a student has class during a rehearsal, he or she will be excused. The fall recital will take place before Thanksgiving break, and the spring recital will take place before dead week (the week professors generally cancel class and stop giving assignments so that students can study for finals). This way the recital will not get in the way of the horrible misery of finals week.
I personally know a handful of women in UKDE, and I can easily see that they are all incredibly passionate about what they do for the organization when they each talk about it. Secretary of UK Dance Ensemble, Sarah Allen, tells us her experience, “I like being a part of dance ensemble because I've gotten close with the other members, and I like the leadership opportunities it allows. Not only being an officer but also being able to choreograph and teach classes.” It is clear that this is a very inviting place where dancers come to have fun and meet new friends while channeling their creative spirits at the same time. This is such an admirable organization not just because of the amazing members, but because of their incredible talent and motivation that each of them use to create awe striking performances in their recitals at the end of each semester. Help add to their greatness and audition this fall!
If you’d like to check out a video of the UK Dance Ensemble’s amazing work from this past year, check out the video below.
For more information, all are welcome to attend an informational session on Tuesday, Aug. 30, in Barker Hall to ask any specific questions and to get to know some of the current members in UKDE! Also, check out the UKDE on social media.
Instagram: @UKDanceEnsemble
Facebook: facebook.com/UK.DanceEnsemble
Tumblr: http://ukdanceensemble.tumblr.com/
